text: OpenJournals email@example.com compliance of conducting an occupational health risk assessment in the occupational health nurse's practice Occupational health nurses (OHNs) are qualified registered nurses with a postgraduate qualification in occupational health nursing. An important activity of OHNs is to identify and assess health risks in the workplace. Health risk assessments (HRAs) are conducted by OHNs to determine all the occupational health stressors, for example noise, vibration and chemical substances. The authors conducted legal compliance occupational health audits and observed that 85% (n = 23) of OHNs in different settings conduct HRAs only to a limited extent. The following objective was formulated for the study: To explore and describe the extent to which OHNs conduct HRAs as it is a legal requirement for compliance; and the possible reasons for not adhering to the regulation and conduct them only to a limited extent. A quantitative, descriptive design was used in this study. A sampling frame was developed from a list of all the members of the South African Society of Occupational Health Nursing Practitioners (SASOHN) in Gauteng. From the target population of OHNs in Gauteng, a systematic cluster sampling method was used. A self-developed questionnaire was distributed by mail and e-mail, and authors sent respondents reminders. The authors ensured that validity, reliability and ethical standards were adhered to. The findings revealed that OHNs are mature, experienced, predominately female practitioners who operate on behalf of a disproportionately large number of workers. Four factors influencing these nurses in conducting an HRA to a limited extent were identified: competence, ignorance about the role of the OHN, workload and attitude. Beroepsgesondheidverpleegkundiges (BGV's) is gekwalifiseerde geregistreerde verpleegkundiges met 'n nagraadse kwalifikasie in beroepsgesondheidsverpleging wat basiese gesondheidsorg in die beroepsgesondheidsprogram lewer. 'n Belangrike aktiwiteit van die BGV is om alle gesondheidsrisiko's in die werksplek te identifiseer en te assesseer. Die BGV doen ook 'n gesondheidsrisiko-analise (GRA) om stressors soos geraas en vibrasie te identifiseer. Die navorsers het met besoeke aan verskillende fabrieke bevind dat 85% (n = 23) van BGV's GRA's net in 'n sekere mate doen, alhoewel 'n GRA wetlik vereis word. Die volgende doelwit is vir die studie geformuleer: Om te ondersoek en te beskryf in watter mate BGV's GRA's uitvoer, en om die moontlike redes vir die nie-nakoming van die regulasie te ondersoek. 'n Kwantitatiewe, beskrywende navorsingsmetode is gebruik. 'n Sistematiese groepsteekmetode is gebruik om 'n steekproefraamwerk uit 'n lys van die SASOHN-lede in Gauteng saam te stel. 'n Selfontwikkelde vraelys is aan respondente gestuur. Die navorsers het geldigheid, betroubaarheid asook etiese standaarde gehandhaaf. Daar is bevind dat BGV's ouer, hoofsaaklik vroulike praktisyns met bo-gemiddelde ondervinding is wat vir 'n groot getal werkers verantwoordelik is. Vier faktore is geïdentifiseer wat BGV's beïnvloed om GRA's net in 'n sekere mate uit te voer, naamlik bevoegdheid, onduidelikheid betreffende die rol van die BGV, werkslading en houding. Nicolene de Jager11Department of Nursing, University of Johannesburg, South Africa Sonya Beukes11Department of Nursing, University of Johannesburg, South Africa Anna G.W. Nolte1 1Department of Nursing, University of Johannesburg, South Africa Anna Nolte firstname.lastname@example.com PO Box 524, Auckland Park 2006, South Africa 19164710.4102/hsag.v19i1.647 10 Jan. 2012 16 Sept. 2013 29 Sept. 2014De Jager, N., Beukes, S. & Nolte, A.G.W., 2014, 'Measuring compliance of conducting an occupational health risk assessment in the occupational health nurse's practice', Health SA Gesondheid 19(1), Art. #647, 11 pages. http://dx.doi.org/10.4102/hsag.v19i1.647 © 2014. The Authors. Licensee: AOSIS OpenJournals. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License. Introduction Occupational health nursing as a discipline focuses on addressing the healthcare needs of workers in the workplace. The primary focus of occupational health nursing is to promote health and minimise risk of workers exposed to occupational health stressors within a work environment. Occupational health nursing dates back to as far as 1710. During the times when medicine was dominated by traditions of ancient and mediaeval pathology, Bernardo Ramazzini (1633–1714), recognised as the father of occupational health (Waldon 1989), generated a totally new paradigm concerning the impact of work and social conditions on workers' health. In particular, he recognised occupational hazards, such as dangerous substances and un-ergonomic working postures and movements as causes of diseases (Carnevale, Mendini & Moriani 2009).Occupational health nursing has evolved and expanded into a unique nursing speciality. From 1966 to 1969, a nursing subcommittee of the Scientific Committee on Occupational Health Nursing conducted a study in 57 countries regarding 'the contribution of the nurse to the health of the worker'. It was found that over the previous 30 years occupational health nurses (OHNs) had moved from tertiary or injury care in company dispensaries under the supervision of the physician to independently providing more preventive healthcare for workers, such as education and worker training, hazard evaluation, medical surveillance and occupational health surveys. OHNs had also assumed responsibility for case management, where occupational health problems were investigated, and ergonomic evaluations and interventions to help workers maintain the correct body posture when performing their work. It was also found that OHNs were employed in a wide range of private industrial employment sectors where they provide health care services. They had more support in the form of professional organisations and recognised the value of collaboration and sharing of information via scientific committees and professional presentations by conducting research. It was also found that national legislation and consultation with OHNs in the legislative process are vital. Therefore the OHNs can access a variety of educational offerings to advance their careers and build their expertise. Today OHNs plan, manage, direct, control and evaluate both the business healthcare and the care of the world's workforce (Burgel, Camp & Lepping 2005). Identifying health risks in the workplace is the most important function of the OHN and forms the basis of the occupational health programme. By undertaking health protection measures, such as education on the use of the correct personal protective equipment for example hearing protection in the work environment, the risk of disease (in this case, hearing loss) will be eliminated or reduced in order to prevent the development of an illness or injury. Walk-throughs are health protection activities undertaken by the OHN in practice to identify work hazards whilst workers are performing their respective work tasks (Rogers 2003). By conducting a walk-through, the OHN becomes familiar with the work environment, production processes and methods, and equipment handling and work practices (Rogers 2003). When the OHN conducts a health risk assessment (HRA) in the workplace, potential hazards and risks to the workers are identified as per the Hazardous Chemical Substances Regulation 5(1) of 1995 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 83 of 1993 (OHSA) (Department of Labour of South Africa 1993c). Problem statement The HRA should be conducted by the OHN in order to determine all the hazards and stressors which may affect workers' health and working efficiency. Hazards which workers may be exposed to include hazardous chemicals, vibration, insufficient lighting, noise exposure and thermal exposure. The Hazardous Chemical Substances Regulation 5(1) of 1995 of the OHSA stipulates that an employer or self-employed person 'shall, after consultation with the relevant health and safety representative or relevant health and safety committee, cause an immediate assessment and thereafter at intervals not exceeding two years, to determine if any worker may be exposed by any route of intake' (Department of Labour of South Africa 1993b). The first author is employed by an international company who own several operations, each of which has an occupational health service. She was instructed by her employer to conduct legal audits over a period of two years as it was the company's goal to be compliant by the end of that period. The findings of the audits revealed that 85% (n = 23) of the OHNs employed by the company only conducted HRAs to a limited extent and is not legally compliant as per the Hazardous Chemical Substances Regulation 5(1) of 1995 of the OHSA (Department of Labour of South Africa 1993b). She also observed that 99% (n = 6) of the OHNs did not fully comply with the Hazardous Chemical Substances Regulation which stipulates that OHNs must conduct an HRA bi-annually. She questioned two occupational health specialists in private practice and audited her own occupational health clinic for legal compliance. It was established that they had all come to the same conclusion, namely that OHNs conduct HRAs to a limited extent only. It was also established that the managers of the OHNs, that is health and safety managerswho have little or no knowledge of health, conduct the HRA in the workplace rather than the nurses themselves. The following questions were raised: To what extent do OHNs employed in industry conduct HRAs in compliance with the Hazardous Chemical Substances Regulation? What are the possible reasons for not adhering to the regulation and conducting them only to a limited extent? What can be done to assist OHNs in conducting HRAs according to regulations? Research purpose and objective of the study The purpose and objectives of this study were to explore and describe the extent to which OHNs conduct HRAs, as it is a legal requirement for compliance, and to explore the possible reasons for not adhering to regulations and conducting them to a limited extent only. Definitions of central concepts Occupational health Occupational health is primarily a prevention-oriented activity, involved in risk assessment, risk management and proactive strategies aimed at promoting the health of the working population. Occupational health is the specialist branch of healthcare that is concerned with the effects of health and the ability to work and the adverse effects of work on health (Zungu 2007). A health risk assessment A health risk assessment (HRA) usually involves identifying the hazards present in any working environment or arising from commercial and work-related activities, and evaluating the extent of the risks involved, taking into account existing precautions and their effectiveness. HRA is the process of evaluating the risks to health arising from hazards at the workplace (Guild et al. 2001), identified by conducting a walk-through. The HRA is documented in a procedure and is used as a guide for the OHN.Occupational health nurse The occupational health nurse (OHN) is a registered nurse who practises in accordance with relevant nursing legislation, codes of ethics, practice standards, workplace policies and procedures, and other legislation applicable to the workplace. The OHN holds a qualification in occupational health recognised as such by the South African Nursing Council (SANC) as referred to in the Nursing Act 50 of 1978 as per the OHSA (Department of Labour of South Africa 1993c).ExtentExtent can be defined, according to the Oxford Dictionaries (2013), as the particular degree to which something is or is believed to be the case. The HRA process is conducted to a limited extent if the health hazards are partially identified, if the HRA is not conducted bi-annually, and if there is no legal compliance with the Hazardous Chemical Substances Regulation.Research design and methods Research design A quantitative descriptive research design was used in this study. Descriptive research provides an accurate portrayal of characteristics of the occupational health group (Alstone & Bowles 2003). Descriptive studies are usually conducted when little is known about the phenomenon. Using a questionnaire as the instrument enabled the occupational health field to be described and knowledge on it to be acquired (Burns & Grove 2006). Therefore a descriptive design was used to gather specific, formal information that described the extent to which HRAs were conducted.Research method The research method comprised two phases. This article will only focus on phase 1, which entailed exploring and describing the extent to which OHNs conduct HRAs and the reasons for not conducting such assessments. Phase 2 focused on the development of guidelines and will not be discussed in this article. Population and sample The target population consisted of 1054 OHNs providing occupational health services in an occupational health setting in Gauteng, South Africa. The target population was divided into clusters representing the four regions in Gauteng as they were accessible to the researchers. All OHNs in these regions are registered with the SANC and are on the database of the South African Society of Occupational Health Nursing Practitioners (SASOHN). In 2011, the database had the following number of members per region: Gauteng Central n = 499, Vaal n = 149, West Rand n = 133 and Pretoria n = 273 (SASOHN 2011). The researchers used a systematic cluster sampling method (Burns & Grove 2006). As the population was spread across South Africa, it was decided to only use the regions that were accessible to the researchers, namely Gauteng Central, Vaal, West Rand and Pretoria. A sampling frame was developed from a list of all SASOHN members in Gauteng (n = 1054). All respondents had to have a qualification in occupational health, recognised as such by the SANC as referred to in the Nursing Act 50 of 1978 as per the OHSA (Department of Labour of South Africa 1993c). A systematic sample of 200 respondents was drawn by selecting every fifth name from each of the four regional SASOHN membership lists as the database was accessible and the respondents available. This was done by dividing the population size (n = 1054) by the sample size (n = 200); (1054 ÷ 200 = 5) therefore, every fifth responded was selected. Only 156 out of the 200 respondents completed the questionnaire. Data collection instrument A questionnaire was developed after a literature study was done to explore and describe the extent to which OHNs conduct HRAs. The questionnaire consisted of three sections, namely A, B and C. Section A containedquestions to obtain demographic data and will not be discussed in this article, Section B contained questions that covered information on the extent to which OHNs conducted HRAs in the factory where they were employed, and Section C contained questions that covered possible reasons for OHNs not conducting HRAs. The questionnaires were self-administered. Items were rated by means of closed, open-ended and Likert scale questions in Sections A and B of the questionnaire, and by only a Likert scale in Section C (Cormack 1996; Markusic 2009). After designing the questionnaire the researchers had experts in the field of occupational health nursing, experts in research methodology and statisticians review the questionnaire to ensure content and face validity (Burns & Grove 2006). A pilot study was conducted as a pre-test to test the relevance and consistency of the questionnaire. OHNs employed at the same company asthe researchersparticipated in the pilot study. The results of the pilot study were not used in the current study as these OHNs were not in the Gauteng area. In September 2010 the questionnaire was mailedto all potential respondents who had been systematically selected from the SASOHN database. Total confidentiality was ensured as no details of the respondents were included in the study or revealed to anyone. All information was stored in a safe place and no one other than the researchers had access to it. A covering letter, together with an envelope and a stamp for return mail, accompanied the questionnaire to explain the goal and objectives of the research project. The OHNs had monthly meetings in the regions, and the researchers used this forum to motivate and explain to the members how to the complete the questionnaire (Burns & Grove 2006). The researchers sent continuous e-mails and reminders, and conducted motivation sessions to increase the response rate. Data analysis The data were captured and coded, transforming data into numerical symbols, which were computerised and included in the statistical data. A statistician analysed the data using Statistical Package for Social Sciences 18.0 (SPSS) (Burns & Grove 2006). All coded data were entered on a spreadsheet, with a series of rows and columns. Each row and column was labelled so individual squares could be cross-referenced. If the respondent chose not to answer a particular question, a specific code was allocated to the missing data (Cormack 1996; O'Neil 2009). The open-ended questions were coded by the researchers (Burns & Grove 2006).A factor analysis using the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin measure of sampling adequacy (KMO) confirmed the accuracy and reliability of the data. The selection of factors for the factor analysis was determined by using eigenvalues. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of reliability was used to measure the consistency of the factors in the questionnaire (see Table 1) (Pallant 2007; Weiers 2008). After the analysis was completed, the results were summarised, organised, evaluated, interpreted and communicated by the researchers in a presentation to SASOHN members (Burns & Grove 2006). ResultsOnly 156 of the 200 questionnaires were completed. Based on the data analysis, findings were discussed in the context of existing literature. The following interpretation of the results of the questionnaires was made. The extent to which the occupational health nurses conduct health risk assessments It is a legal requirement of OHSA that OHNs conduct HRAs in the workplace. More than two-thirds (67.5%, n = 104) of the respondents reported that they conducted an HRA in their workplace, whilst almost a third (32.5%, n = 50) did not conduct an HRA. Two respondents (n = 2) did not answer this question. A seven-point Likert scale was used, with the options never, rarely, seldom, sometimes, frequently, usually and always, to assess the frequency of conducting a walk-through when preparing for an HRA (see Figure 1). A total of 25.7% (n = 36) of the respondents conducted a walk-through only sometimes or frequently, and 10% (n = 14) usually conducted a walk-through prior to an HRA. About a fifth of the respondents (21.4%, n = 30) indicated that they always conducted a walk-through prior to an HRA. Camp and Tanberg (1985) and Rogers (2003) emphasise the importance of a walk-through prior to an HRA as a means of identifying health hazards. As a walk-through is conducted to identify hazards in the workplace, it is an important step in conducting an HRA. However, the OHNs surveyed did not regularly conduct walk-throughs in the workplace by themselves (see Figure 2). Only 13.8% (n = 32) of the OHNs did not have any accompaniment when conducting an HRA. Some 27.2% (n = 63) of the respondents indicated that the occupational health medical practitioner accompanied them, whilst 4.7% (n = 11) of the respondents said that 'other' people accompanied them. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems of South Africa (2005), all processes, such as conducting an HRA, must be documented in a policy or procedure. The answers to the questionnaire revealed that only 72.1% (n = 98) of the respondents had a written policy or procedure on how to conduct an HRA, whilst 27.9% (n = 38) did not. In terms of Circular Instruction 180 regarding compensation for work-related upper limb disorders, an HRA must be conducted by the OHN to identify work-related injuries where the relation between the person, the workplace and the environment is enhanced (Department of Labour of South Africa 2003). More than half of the respondents (87.9%, n = 124) indicated that they conducted ergonomic surveys. The OHSA is specific in the Environmental Regulation for Workplaces regarding the employer's legal obligation to ensure that the workplace is provided with the correct illumination (Department of Labour of South Africa 1993c). However, only half of the respondents (50.4%, n = 71) reported that they conducted a lighting survey. The Hazardous Biological Agents Regulation (Department of Labour of South Africa 1993a) provides that the employer must conduct an HRA on hazardous biological agents every two years. All agents such as bacteria, viruses and fungi must be identified by the OHN. This study indicated that 42.4% (n = 59) of the respondents conducted surveys on bacteria, and 27.3% (n = 38) conducted surveys on viruses. Only 28.1% (n = 39) of the respondents conducted surveys on fungi. It is imported to note that OHNs are exposed to hepatitis, influenza, HIV and other agents. Workers are exposed to Escherichia coli, Taenia and many more, which can cause occupational illnesses at the workplace. The importance of assessing hazardous biological agents is highlighted in studies conducted by Singh (2010), where workers were diagnosed with airborne contact dermatitis caused by biological agents. Further studies conducted by Dikeledi and Singh (2010) identified health effects associated with exposure to hazardous biological agents and their constituents in the poultry farming environment. Poultry workers had an increased incidence of respiratory symptoms and a decline in lung function related to exposure to bacteria, fungi, viruses and mites (Dikeledi & Singh 2010). In this study, more than half (55.4%, n = 77) of the respondents conducted a psychological assessment on their workers. This is a requirement to ensure that workers are psychologically fit to conduct work at a workplace (Department of Labour of South Africa 2003). All workers working on heights and driving machinery must undergo psychological assessment as per the OHSA. If a worker is psychologically unfit, possible suicide attempts and injuries can be a costly burden to the employer. Depending on the size of the factory, it should take more than two weeks to conduct a well-designed and documented HRA (ICMM 2009). It is evident that the OHNs surveyed spent adequate time conducting HRAs. A third of the respondents (29.5%, n = 33) indicated that they spent one month on conducting an HRA. Respondents taking two weeks to conduct an HRA constituted 23.2% (n = 26). A total of 17.9% (n = 20) spent one day and 7.1% (n = 8) spent only one hour on conducting an HRA. An HRA should be conducted bi-annually as per the Hazardous Chemical Substances Regulation (Department of Labour of South Africa 1993b). More than a quarter of the respondents (29.8%, n = 39) indicated that they sometimes conducted an HRA, and 28.2% (n = 37) reported that they conducted it frequently (see Figure 3). The respondents who indicated that they always conducted an HRA constituted 13.7% (n = 18). The researchers grouped the responses for never (9.9%, n = 13), rarely (7.6%, n = 10) and seldom (6.1%, n = 8) together, and it amounted to less than a quarter (23.6%, n = 31) of the respondents. The HRA document is the foundation of the medical surveillance programme. AOHNA (2005) and Rogers (2003) state that after the OHN has conducted an HRA, data and findings are reviewed in order to initiate and implement the medical surveillance programme. A Likert scale with the options never, rarely, seldom, sometimes, frequently, usually and alwayswas used to determine if this was the case in this study. As indicated in Figure 4, 5.1% (n = 7) of the respondents indicated that they never used the HRA document as the basis of their medical surveillance programme, 1.4% (n = 2) did so rarely, 2.2% (n = 3) seldom, 14.5% (n = 20) sometimes, 19.6% (n = 20) frequently, 11.6% (n = 16) usually and 45.7% (n = 63) always. According to the University of Waterloo (2007), the Ontario Health Promotion E-Bulletin (2008) and the University of Queensland (2010), it is both internationally and nationally accepted that medical surveillance will follow after an occupational HRA has been conducted. Although less than half of the respondents conducted an HRA as a basis for their medical surveillance programme, more than half conducted medical examinations after conducting an HRA. It was found that not only OHNs and other medically trained staff interpreted the findings of the HRA, but also staff not medically trained (see Figure 5). OHNs are the experts in their field and should know what the adverse effects of hazards in the workplace are (Rogers 2003). Staff members who are not medically trained cannot decide what medical surveillance needs to be conducted on the workers in the workplace. It is important that management are made aware of the health risks which workers are exposed to. Compensation and/or damages to ill or disabled workers or to the families of workers that are killed can escalate to enormous figures (Kritzinger 2009). A small percentage of respondents (6.9%, n = 9) never reported health hazards to management, 1.5% (n = 2) rarely and seldom reported to management and 12.3% (n = 16) only sometimes. Less than a quarter (22.3%, n = 29) reported their findings to management frequently, 14.6% (n = 19) did so usually and 40.8% (n = 53) did so always. As shown in Figure 6, 28.6% (n = 2) of the respondents reportedthat management indicated that it is the OHN's job to conduct an HRA, 14.3% (n = 1) felt that management was not interested in their input and 57.1% (n = 4) reported that there were other reasons for not sharing the findings of the HRA with management but did not state what they were. The OHNs surveyed were asked to indicate to what extent conducting an HRA was included in their performance appraisal. It was reported by 10.1% (n = 13) of the respondents that their managers did not conduct an appraisal at all, whilst 4.7% (n = 6) of the respondents stated that their managers decided what to include in their appraisal. Less than half (45.7%, n = 59) of the respondents indicated that conducting an HRA was included in their performance appraisal, whilst 36.4% (n = 47) that that conducting an HRA was not included in their appraisal. Conducting an HRA was not expected of 1.6% (n = 2) of the respondents. Possible reasons for the extent to which health risk assessments were conducted In Section C of the questionnaire, 20 items were listed and explained, and the respondents were asked to indicate which of these aspects might influence the extent to which they conducted HRAs. A Likert scale with the optionsnever, rarely, seldom, sometimes, frequently, usually and always was used (see Table 2). The researchers clustered and calculated the first three frequencies together and the last four frequencies together. The first three frequencies indicated a positive response and the last four a negative response. The following were the most important findings in Section C: Some 65.1% (n = 75) respondents responded that they did not have enough time to conduct an HRA. About halfof the respondents (51%, n = 56) indicated that their time was occupied by leadership and/or management responsibilities. Whilst 35.5% (n = 3 9) respondents reported that they were clear about their tasks and goals as an OHN, more than a quarter (39.1%, n = 43) of the respondents reported that their tasks and goals as an OHN were not clear. A total of 46.9% (n = 53) of the respondents indicated that they lacked knowledge in conducting an HRA. Although more than half (52.7%, n = 59) of the respondents indicated that they did not lack experience in conducting an HRA, 47.3% (n = 53) indicated that they lacked such experience. Whilst 60.3% (n = 67) of the respondents indicated that they did not lack confidence in conducting an HRA, 39.6% (n = 44) indicated that they did. The respondents said that the ratio of OHNs to workers was 1:900. Less than half of the respondents (47.2%, n = 52) felt that the ratio of OHN to workers was acceptable, whilst 52.7% (n = 58) of the respondents felt that they were responsible for too many workers. The 20 items were factor analysed using principal component analysis as it would be an indication of why the OHNs are not complying with legislation regarding conducting an HRA. The KMO was used as statistical measure to help assess the factorability of the data in order to ensure that factor analysis was considered appropriate. According to Pallant (2007), the KMO index ranges from 0 to 1, with 0.6 suggested as the minimum value for a good factor analysis. Field (2006) recommends accepting values greater than 0.5 as acceptable, between 0.5 and 0.7 as mediocre, between 0.7 and 0.8 as good and between 0.8 and 0.9 as excellent. In this study the KMO value was 0.861, and factor analysis was therefore appropriate for this data. Eigenvalues are the sum of the squared weights for each factor to determine how many factors will be included in the factor analysis. The number of factors to include is determined by the minimal amount of variance that must be explained by the factor to add significant meaning (Burns & Grove 2006). The approach followed by the researchers was to select factors that have an eigenvalue of 1.00 or above, as described by Burns and Grove (2006). The eigenvalues recorded were 9.132, 2.180, 1.875 and 1.495. These four components explained a total of 73.407% of the variance. Cronbach's alpha is a coefficient of reliability or consistency. Cronbach's alpha test was computed to measure the internal consistencies of the factors used in the questionnaire. According to the Academic Technology Services (2002) at the University of California, Cronbach's alpha measures how well a set of items (or variables) measures a single one-dimensional latent construct. A reliability coefficient of 0.7 to 0.8 or higher is considered as acceptable (Field 2006; Academic Technology Services 2002). All four factors were above 0.8. The reliability score of above 0.8 for this study indicated and ensured a high degree of consistent and reliable results in repeated incidents. Reliability was further tested by testing all 20 items on factors influencing HRA. In the second-order confirmatory factor analysis, the Cronbach's alpha was 0.934. As indicated in Table 3, the following factors were identified: competence of the OHN to conduct an HRA, ignorance of the role of the OHN by the managers of the OHNs regarding conducting an HRA, workload of the OHN to conduct an HRA and attitude of the OHN to conduct an HRA. It was confirmed that these factors are the reasons why the OHNs experience difficulty in conducting an HRA as per legal requirements. Ethical considerations Human rights of the respondents A self-administered questionnaire with a covering letter informing the respondents about the objectives, rationale, potential benefits and risks of the study was used; informed consent had been given by the ohns when they responded to the questionnaires sent out (Oxford Brooks University 2011; Parahoo 1997). The researchers explained to those participating in the study that they had the right to withdraw from the study at any given time (Burns & Grove 2006).The researchers at all times adhered to the rights of privacy, respect, confidentiality and anonymity of respondents, by not requiring the names or SASOHN membership numbers of the respondents. In addition to being published in a journal, the findings of this study were communicated to the respondents at monthly sasohn meetings (Parahoo 1997; Polit & Beck 2004). Rights of the institutions at which the research was conducted The professional body sasohn represents the sanc in governing the scope of practice of ohns. The researchers obtained written permission from the president of sasohn to conduct the study and select the respondents. Scientific honesty The researchers were responsible for submitting to the faculty ethics committee of the university of johannesburg (ethical clearance obtained: aec52/01-2010 and hdc50/02-2010), as it exists to examine the ethical implications of the study and grant permission for the researchers to conduct the study. The researchers ensured theirown competency, accuracy and honesty in the course of the study. The findings will be published in a journal. Reliability and validity According to Mouton (1996), Talbot (1995) and Golafshani (2003), validity can be described as the degree to which an instrument measures the concept it was intended to measure. Reliability describes the consistency of measures obtained in the use of an instrument, and is an indication of the extent of random error in the measurement method. Reliability and validity in this study were ensured in the following ways. Theoretical validity By conducting a thorough literature review, the researchers theoretically identified and defined concepts and definitions in this study. The questionnaire was developed around the defined concepts discussed in the research project to ensure a fit between the conceptual and operational definitions (Burns & Grove 2006). Internal validity To ensure internal validity, the researchers conducted an in-depth literature review to develop a questionnaire. The researchers used experts in the field of occupational health nursing to improve content validity, and experts in research methodology and statisticians to review the measurement validity of the instrument (Burns & Grove 2006). By using systematic cluster sampling, the researchers tried to establish validity by ensuring that sample statistics resembled population parameters. A pilot study was conducted to test the relevance and consistency of the questionnaire. ReliabilityThe standard of consistency of the research findings ensured reliability as the instrument was developed by the researchers, overseen by subject experts and tested with a pilot study (Burns & Grove 2006). Measurements are reliable if the individual responses to the items indicate the same understanding of items and ratings. DiscussionThe researchers found that the OHN is a mature, experienced, predominately female practitioner who operates on behalf of a disproportionately large workforce. According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (2004), ageing OHNs indicate that fewer young OHNs appear to enter occupational health nursing. Occupational hazards were only partially identified by respondents. For example, hazardous biological agents were not identified as a hazard by most respondents. According to Webber (2009), all health hazards need to be identified in the workplace as a hazard has the potential to cause harm. Not all OHNs are trained to conductan HRA and therefore do they are not aware of all the hazards that workers are exposed to in the workplace. Only 42.3% (n = 74) of the occupational nursing and medically trained respondents designed policies and procedures on occupational HRAs. It was noted that these policies and procedures were kept by people other than occupational nursing and medically trained personnel and not by the OHNs. The policy or procedure on conducting an HRA is a valuable legal document and should be kept in the occupational health setting to facilitate the conducting of an HRA by the OHN (Hattingh & Acutt 2003; Kamuzora 2006). If only 42.3% of the respondents designed a policy or procedure on conducting an HRA, this means that 57.7% of the respondents did not know what the scope, responsibility or framework of conducting an HRA is. Although time which was spent on conducting HRAs, these assessments were not conducted frequently (32.5%, n = 50). If OHNs do not conduct HRAs, they are not legally compliant (Mothiba 2010). The HRA was kept with the OHN (51.4%; n = 95), but also with non-occupational nursing or medically trained personnel (48.6%, n = 90). Badenhorst (2004) emphasises that it is vitally important that evidence of the HRA be kept by the OHNs as they must study the information obtained and require a sound understanding of the adverse effects associated with specific health hazards to which workers may be exposed. OHNs should develop a medical surveillance programme based on this information in order to be legally compliant. It is important to note that 48.6% (n = 90) of the respondents said staff other than occupational nursing or medically trained staff kept the HRA with them, and there was no input into medical surveillance. Although less than half of the respondents conducted an HRA as a basis for their medical surveillance programme, more than half conducted medical examinations after conducting an HRA. The conclusion made by the researchers is that more than half of the respondents conducted medical surveillance without knowing what their hazards were in their workplace. It was found that not only occupational health nursing and medically trained staff interpreted the findings of the HRA. Rogers (2003) states that OHNsare the experts in their occupational health nursing field and should know what the adverse effects of hazards in the workplace are. Untrained staff cannot decide what medical surveillance needs to be conducted on the workers in the workplace. Four factors influencing the extent to which OHNs conduct HRAs were identified, namely competence, ignorance of the role of the OHN, workload and attitude. According to SASOHN (2011), the highest possible standards are promoted in occupational health nursing to encourage accreditation and upgrading of professional qualifications. The International Code of Ethics for Occupational Health Professionals adopted by ICOH (2002) states that OHNs shouldcontinuously strive to be familiar with the working environment as well as to develop their competence and to remain well informed in scientific and technical knowledge. This study showed that OHNs are only partially competent in conducting an HRA. Ignorance of the role of the OHN was the second reason identified for not conducting an HRA. This is why the role of the OHN needs to be re-examined and redefined. OHNs are the single largest group of healthcare professionals involved in rendering healthcare at the workplace. Their role in the workplace has not been expanded to the extent that their managers know what their role is (Rogers 2003). The workload of OHNs was also providedas a reason for not conducting an HRA. According to McVicar (2003), the most obvious means of reducing the workload of the OHN is to ensure that staffing levels are adequate to have time to conduct an HRA. OHNs are responsible for a large number of workers and their role is so vast that they do not have the time to conduct an HRA. The attitude of the OHN was the last reason for not conducting an HRA. According to David (2009), there are three possible targets of change in the OHN: the nurse's knowledge, attitude and behaviour. Conductingan HRA was lacking in the curriculum of the post-basic qualification of the OHNs. This needs to be addressed by the training institutions so that the OHNs have the necessary knowledge and are competent to conduct HRAs. It is necessary to assess the OHNs as total entities, realising that dysfunctional behaviour may often be a function of not only their behaviour or attitude, but also their interactions and the rules and boundaries that control their actions. LimitationsThe study results cannot be generalised to the entire population, but only to the selected population in the area where this research was conducted. RecommendationsOccupational health nursing practice The results of this study highlight the need of the OHN to be assisted in conducting an HRA. Guidelines developed in phase 2 of this study, which is not described in this article, can be used as a guide by the training institutions when the curriculum regarding conducting an HRA is discussed. Occupational health nursing education Based on the findings of the study relating the competence factor of the OHN to conduct an HRA, the assumption can be made that there is scope for adaptation and development in the current curriculum for occupational health nursing at the training institutions. Not only the theory in the curriculum for OHNs needs to be addressed, but a practical exercise needs to be part of the training to assess the OHN student's skill and competence in conducting an HRA. Occupational health nursing research Occupational health nursing research is necessary to support and expand the knowledge base that forms the foundation for occupational health practice. The guidelines assisting the OHNs to conduct HRAs (as discussed in a second article) need to be implemented and further research needs to be conducted after two years to measure any change regarding the OHNs' ability to conduct HRAs. ConclusionHRAs are conducted by OHNs to determine all the occupational health stressors which may affect workers' health. A quantitative, descriptive design was used in this study. A sampling frame was developed from a list of all SASOHN members in Gauteng and a systematic cluster sampling method was used. A questionnaire was developed and distributed. The researchers ensured validity and reliability and ethical standards were adhered to. The findings revealed that the OHN is a mature, experienced, predominately female practitioner who operates on behalf of a disproportionately large number of workers. Four factors influencing these nurses in conducting an HRA to a limited extent were identified, namely competence, ignorance about the role of the OHN, workload and attitude. In conclusion, the overall objectives of this study have been achieved. OHNs conducted HRAs to a limited extent. Factors hindering them from conducting HRAs were identified by conducting a factor analysis. Guidelines and recommendations were developed to assist the OHNs in conducting HRAs, as will be discussed in a second article. AcknowledgementsCompeting interests The authors declare that they have no financial or personal relationship(s) which may have inappropriately influenced them in writing this article. Authors' contributions S.B. (University of Johannesburg) acted as project leader, A.G.W.N. (University of Johannesburg) as co-leader and N.d.J. (University of Johannesburg) as researcher. 1. Academic Technology Services, UCLA, 2002, Introduction to SAS, viewed 17 August 2010, from http://www.ats.ucla.edu/stat/spss/faq/alpha.html 2. Alberta OHNs' Association (AOHNA), 2005, Competencies for the OHN, viewed 21 April 2009, from http://www.aohna.ab.ca/members/resources/references/competencies.pdf 3. Alstone, M. & Bowles, W., 2003, Research for social workers – An introduction to methods, 2nd edn, Routledge, New York. 4. Badenhorst, C.J., 2004, 'Occupational health risk assessment: Central to the management of occupational health', International Platinum Conference 'Platinum Adding Value', pp. 47–48, South African Institute of Mining and Metallurgy, Johannesburg. 5. Burgel, B., Camp, J. & Lepping, G., 2005, Scientific Committee on Occupational Health Nursing – The nurse's contribution to health of the worker, viewed 25 August 2010, from http://www.icohweb.org/pdf/sconnursing.pdf 6. Burns, N. & Grove, S.K., 2006, The practice of nursing research: Conduct, critique and utilization, 6th edn, Elsevier, St Louis. 7. Camp, J. & Tanberg, S., 1985, 'Assessment of the worksite: A guide for the occupational and environmental health nurse', AAOHN Update Series 2(4), 2–7. 8. Cormack, D.F.S., 1996, The research process in nursing, 3rd edn, Blackwell, Oxford. 9. Carnevale, F., Mendini, M. & Moriani, G., 2009, Bernardino Ramazzini – Works, Verona. 10. David, D., 2009, Attitude of a nurse that will help in successful nursing practice, viewed 03 May 2011, from http://www.saching.com/Article/Attitude-of-a-nurse-that-will-help-in-successful-nursing-practice-/4360 11. Department of Labour of South Africa, 1993a, Hazardous Biological Agents Regulations – GNR1390 of 27 December 2001, viewed 22 May 2009, from http://www.labour.gov.za/DOL/legislation/regulations/occupational-health-and-safety/regulation-ohs-hazardous-biological-agents 12. Department of Labour of South Africa, 1993b, Hazardous Chemical Substances Regulations – GNR1179 of 25 August 1995, viewed 22 May 2009, from http://www.labour.gov.za/DOL/legislation/regulations/occupational-health-and-safety/regulation-ohs-hazardous-chemical-substances 13. Department of Labour of South Africa, 1993c, Occupational Health and Safety Act 85 of 1993 and Regulations, viewed 22 May 2009, from http://www.labour.gov/DOL/downloads/legislation/acts/occupational-health-and-safety-act-and-amendments. 14. Department of Labour of South Africa, 2003, National Occupational Health and Safety Policy, viewed 25 August 2010, from http://www.kznhealth.gov.za/occhealth/policy2.pdf 15. Dikeledi, O. & Singh, T.S., 2010, 'Health effects associated with exposure to hazardous biological agents and their constituents in poultry farming', Occupational Health Southern Africa 16(3), 8–16. 16. Field, A., 2006, Reliability analysis, viewed 28 November 2010, from http://www.statisticshell.com/reliabilit.pdf 17. Golafshani, N., 2003, Understanding reliability and validity in quantitative research, viewed 15 April 2011, from http://www.nova.edu/sss/QR/OR8-4/golafshani.pdf 18. Guild, R., Ehrlich, R.I., Johnston, J.R. & Ross, M.H., 2001, SIMRAC: Handbook of occupational health practice in the South African mining industry, Creda Communications, Johannesburg. 19. Hattingh, S. & Acutt, J., 2003, Occupational health: Management &practice for health practitioners, 3rd edn, Juta, Lansdowne. 20. Health Resources and Services Administration, 2004, The registered nurse population: Findings from the 2004 national sample – Chapter III: The registered nurse population, viewed 25 April 2011, from http://www.bhpr.hrsa.gov/healthworkforce/rnsurveys/rnsurvey2004.pdf 21. International Commission on Occupational Health (ICOH), 2002, International code of ethics for occupational health professionals, viewed 25 August 2010, from http://icohweb.org/core_docs/code_ethics_eng.pdf 22. International Council on Mining and Metals (ICMM), 2009, Good practice guidance on occupational HRA, ICMM, London. 23. International Society of Addiction Journal Editors (ISAJE), 2001, Ethical practice guidelines in addiction publishing: A model for authors, journal editors and other partners, viewed 15 April 2011, from http://www.parint.org/isajewebsite/isajebook/appendix-b-web.pdf 24. Kamuzora, P., 2006, 'Non-decision making in occupational health policies in developing countries', International Journal of Occupational and Environmental Health 12(1), 65–70. http://dx.doi.org/10.1179/oeh.2006.12.1.65 25. Kritzinger, D., 2009, 'Rand Mutual Assurance – The workmen's compensation carrier for the mining industry', Occupational Health Southern Africa 15(5), 4–5. 26. Markusic, M., 2009, Simplifying the Likert scale, viewed 15 April 2011, from http://www.brigthub.com/education/special/articles/13507.aspx 27. McVicar, A., 2003, 'Workplace stress in nursing: A literature review', Journal of Advanced Nursing 44(6), 633–636, viewed 25 April 2011, from http://www.researchgate.net/publication/0309-240.2003.02883.x.pdf 28. Mothiba, G., 2010, Safety at workplaces paramount – Mdladlana, viewed 19 April 2011, from http://www.labour.gov.za/DOL/media-desk/media-statements/2010/safety-at-workplaces-paramount-2013-mdladlana 29. Mouton, J., 1996, Understanding social research, Van Schaik, Pretoria. 30. Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, 2005, OHSAS 18001, viewed 10 February 2011, from http://www.asse.org/publications/standards 31. O'Neil, S., 2009, Basic statistics for the utterly confused, paper presented at the Faculty of Economic & Management Sciences, University of Pretoria, 10–15 September, Pretoria. 32. Ontario Health Promotion E-Bulletin, 2008, Occupational Health Nurse (Medical Surveillance Program), Health, Safety and Environment, UBC Health Clinic, viewed 15 April 2011, from http://www.ohpe.ca/node/9389 33. Oxford Dictionaries, 2013, 'Extent', viewed 17 July 2013, from http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/english/extent 34. Oxford Brooks University, 2011, Guidelines for informed consent, viewed 15 April 2011, from http://brooks.ac.uk/res/ethics/consent 35. Pallant, J., 2007, SPSS Survival Manual, 3rd edn, McGraw Hill Open University Press, New York. 36. Parahoo, K., 1997, Nursing research – Principles, process and issues, Palgrave Macmillan, London. 37. Polit, D.F. & Beck, C.T., 2004, Nursing research – Principles, process and methods, 7th edn, Lippincott, Williams & Wilkens, Philadelphia. 38. Rogers, B., 2003, Occupational and environmental health nursing: Concepts and practice, 2nd edn, Saunders, Philadelphia. 39. Singh, T.S., 2010, 'Biological agents causing occupational airborne contact dermatitis', Occupational Health Southern Africa 16(5), 3–32. 40. South African Society of Occupational Health Nursing Practitioners (SASOHN), 2011, Overview, viewed 23 April 2011, from http://www.sasohn.co.za/A_Overview.asp 41. Talbot, L.A., 1995, Principles and practice of nursing research, Mosby, St Louis. 42. University of Queensland, 2010, Occupational health & safety risk assessment and management guideline, viewed 01 March 2011, from http://www.uq.edu.au/ohs/pdfs/ohsriskmgt.pdf 43. University of Waterloo, 2007, OHN – General accountability, viewed 08 February 2011, from http://hr.uwaterloo.ca/jd/00001550.html 44. Waldon, H.A., 1989, Occupational health practice, 3rd edn, Butterworths, London. 45. Webber, J., 2009, Hazards and risks in the workplace, viewed 15 March 2011, from http://jessicawebber.hubpages.com/hub/Hazards-and-Risks-in-the-Workplace 46. Weiers, R.M., 2008, Introduction to business statistics, 6th edn, Thomson, Toronto. 47. Zungu, L.I., 2007, 'An evaluation of the occupational health programmes of the on-site clinic at a newspaper production industry in South Africa', Occupational Health Southern Africa 13(6), 14–19.


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January 30, 2014
Contact: Sammy Parks
Phone Number: (713) 693-3329
Santeria Follower Convicted Of Federal Drug Charges
JBROWNSVILLE, Texas - Francisco Javier Maya, 35, has been convicted of one count of conspiracy to possess and possession with intent to distribute approximately 1,000 pounds of marijuana, announced Steven S. Whipple, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the United States Drug Enforcement (DEA), Houston Division and United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson. The verdict was returned less than an hour ago after two days of trial testimony and approximately six hours of deliberations.
The jury heard evidence that placed Maya in a conspiracy involving several marijuana loads each totaling between 300 and 1,000 pounds between the summer of 2012 and January 2013. His role in the drug trafficking organization was to provide tractor trailer drivers to drive marijuana loads to locations including Houston and Taylor, Texas. Maya would share in the profits of each load, making between $4000-$5000 per load.
On one occasion, he provided his wife's bank account number in order for another conspirator to deposit the drug proceeds. Evidence was presented that $6,500 was deposited Maya's wife's account on Nov. 28, 2012, right after a successful 300 pound marijuana delivery to Taylor by the organization.
Two cooperating defendants testified at trial that Maya was a follower of the Santeria religion. The jury saw photos of Maya's residence in Mission, Texas, which depicted numerous images of what was considered to be altars showing glasses of alcohol, knives, a machete, kettles, feathers and substances that appeared to be blood. Testimony also included descriptions of two rituals involving the sacrifice of animals.
In December 2012, Maya had a Santeria priest perform rituals with the organization to "bless" a 1,000 pound marijuana load that was destined for Houston. The "priest's" decision was for the marijuana load to remain in the Rio Grande Valley. The next day, a second ritual was performed and the 1,000 pounds of marijuana was to be transported to Houston. However, the marijuana was stolen by unknown individuals from the group that evening. After the theft, law enforcement was able to determine the events and conspirators surrounding the drug trafficking organization.
Other members of the organization, Jesus Maruicio Juarez aka Flaco or JJ, Ruben Gonzalez Cavazos aka Mume, Adolfo Loazano Luna aka Chofero, and Alberto Martinez aka Diablo, have already pleaded guilty and are set for sentencing Feb. 5, 2014.
U.S. District Judge Hilda G. Tagle, who presided over the trial, has set Maya's sentencing for May 7, 2014, at which time he faces a mandatory minimum of five and up to 40 years in prison on each count of convictions. He will remain in custody pending that hearing.
The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Brownsville Police Department. Assistant United States Attorneys Angel Castro and Jody Young prosecuted the case.

subset: commoncrawl


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7 of the best DJ mixers
Mixers demystified
Arguably more so than ever before, choosing a DJ mixer is a complicated business. There's a vast array of options out there these days, some of which offer mind-bogglingly vast feature sets.
The design, complexity and features of the mixer you choose will undoubtedly come down to the style of music you play and how you prefer to DJ. For example, scratch DJs and turntablists will certainly need a mixer with a quality, replaceable crossfader, which will likely be less of an issue for those who mix house or techno. Similarly, some of the top end mixers in this roundup, such as the DJM-2000 nexus, offer flashy and complex performance features that might not be of interest to DJs with a more understated style of mixing.
Many of the units in this list include built-in soundcards and MIDI capabilities too, which won't be necessary for those who only use turntables or CDJs. That said, it's still worth considering as a sure fire way of future-proofing your setup.
What's undoubtedly true is that more expensive doesn't necessarily mean better, although you will end up paying for features and flexibility. Whether you're in the market for a top of the range, forward-thinking unit or a stripped-back mixer, there are quality options out there.
To that end, here are seven of our current favourite mixers. It's worth noting that, in some cases, we've opted for the most recent or top-end models in a brand's mixer line, but that doesn't necessarily mean that previous models should be disregarded. In many cases it might be worth checking out second hand units, as the feature sets of older mixers may still suit your DJing needs perfectly.
Pioneer DJM-2000 nexus
You'll be hard pressed to find a more feature-packed and forward-thinking mixer than Pioneer's flagship, four-channel DJM-2000 nexus.
As was the case with its predecessor the DJM-2000, the nexus has divided opinion slightly amongst longstanding fans of Pioneer's older units, possibly for being too much of a leap into cross-platform 'performance' territory. It's hard to fault the quality and implementation of those flashy additions though, and the 2000s are winners in our book.
Central to those features is Pioneer's Pro DJ Link function, which allows for advanced synchronisation between the mixer and other units, such as Pioneer's recent CDJ-2000 nexus players and laptops running rekordbox. There's also a touchscreen-controlled Beat Slice feature for rearranging tracks on the fly.
Additionally, there's a built-in eight-channel soundcard, MIDI functionality for controlling external software and an impressive range of quality DJ effects.
Find out more about the Pioneer DJM-2000 nexus
BUY: Pioneer DJM-2000 nexus currently available from:
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Allen & Heath Xone:DB4
Over the years Allen & Heath has made a well-deserved names for itself as a mark of quality within the sphere of DJ mixers. Many of the brand's Xone range are held in understandably high-regard, and units such as the mid-range Xone:42 and the Richie Hawtin-endorsed Xone:92 can be found installed in clubs across the globe.
The digital-friendly DB4 hybrid mixer is possibly the most impressive unit the company has ever created, however. It packs the same high build quality, excellent filters and all-round usability as the 49 and 92, but adds a built-in, multi-channel USB 2.0 soundcard for integration with digital DJing setups.
It also features a Quad FX Core DSP effects engine, providing each channel with its own effect bank with BPM detection. There are five groups of DJ-style effects available, with Expression and Wet/Dry controls on each channel for manipulation.
It's a bit of a complex beast and could take a while to master, but the DB4 sounds great and packs enough functionality to keep even the most ambitious DJs happy for a very long time.
Full review: Allen & Heath Xone:DB4
BUY: Allen & Heath Xone:DB4 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | DV247
Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z2
In reality, NI's Z2 is possibly better classified as a DJ controller than a straight mixer, seeing as it's designed specifically to interact with the company's DJ software, Traktor.
It's worth inclusion here, however, as the unit is more than just a straight MIDI device. As well as offering tight control integration over the mixer, looping, Remix Decks and effects sections of Traktor, the Z2 also features two independent audio channels with filters and full EQ strips.
These allow users to connect a pair of CDJs or turntables, which can run through the mixer independently of a laptop. Best of all, it features built-in converters for use with NI's timecode system, which makes the Z2 a brilliantly hassle-free option for those who want to switch between hands-on digital DJing and mixing with their vinyl or CD collections.
There's also a pair of USB ports that can be used for adding additional Traktor controllers or external drives.
Full review: Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z2
BUY: Native Instruments Traktor Kontrol Z2 currently available from:
UK: Andertons Music | Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Rane Sixty-Four
As a long time partner of Serato, Rane has obvious pedigree in the world digital vinyl mixing hardware. As such, it's unsurprising that the company's Sixty range of mixers are up there with the finest solutions on the market for timecode-orientated DJs.
Designed to integrated with Serato DJ, the Sixty-Four is the latest in the line, offering a 22-channel built-in soundcard, updated hardware effects and dual USB ports for simplified DJ change over in clubs. It also offers refined control over the newer features of Serato DJ, including the iZotope-powered effects, Slip mode and looping and sampling capabilities.
Find out more about the Rane Sixty-Four
BUY: Rane Sixty-Four currently available from:
UK: Thomann | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Pioneer DJM-850
Pioneer's mid-range DJM-800 has long been a favourite of DJs thanks to its sturdy build quality and its well-balanced mix of flexibility and straightforward usability.
Released back in 2012, the DJM-850 updated the 800's design without being a major leap into new territory in the manner the 2000 series was. The mixer features the same robust build quality and a similar effects setup as its predecessor, whilst adding a USB soundcard and a handful of modernised performance features and effects.
It doesn't have the same flashy Pro Link functionality as Pioneer's top end DJ hardware, and it isn't the cheapest unit in its category, but for a well built, capable and very usable four-channel mixer, the 850 is hard to beat.
Full review: Pioneer DJM-850
BUY: Pioneer DJM-850 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass
Denon DN-X1600
Denon's X1600 is a fantastic all-rounder mixer. It features a quality, tension adjustable crossfader, four flexible mixing channels with three-band kill EQs and two effects engines playing host to a wide range of quality DJ effects.
There's also a built-in soundcard as well as USB MIDI capability. It's capable of digital vinyl conversion too, and is a certified Traktor Scratch mixer - all of which makes the unit nicely future-proofed.
It's perhaps not as flashy as its also-excellent bigger sibling the X1700, but we've opted for the X1600 here as, in our view, it's one of the best value mixers on the market - clocking in at sub-£1000 but offering features and build quality that punch above its price point.
Allen & Heath Xone:22
At the complete other end of the spectrum to the Xone:DB4 mentioned earlier, the 22 offers Allen & Heath quality at an entry level price point.
It's a fairly straightforward, utilitarian unit, offering just two mixing channels, both with three-band EQ, and a replaceable crossfader. The unit does feature a version of Allen & Heath's much-loved controllable filter, however, which is a fantastic addition at this price point. There are also connections for adding an external effects loop, which is a handy means for upgrading the unit.
As an affordable, no-nonsense mixer, but featuring Allen & Heath's robust build and quality sound, the 22 is a bargain.
It's worth noting that at last month's NAMM show the company unveiled the new Xone:23, which is effectively an update to the 22. We're yet to get our hands on one, but with its extra inputs and cosmetic overhaul - at a similar anticipated street price - the 23 is looking like a worthy successor.
Find out more about the Xone:22 and Xone:23
BUY: Xone:22 and Xone:23 currently available from:
UK: Thomann | Gear4Music | DV247
US: Sweetwater | Full Compass


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Swing Party
Incident Reporting & Response Testimonials
Every year, NCSF helps hundreds of people, events, groups and businesses that are being persecuted for their association with the BDSM, swing and polyamory communities.
NCSF is here to help you -- the SM, swing, and polyamory communities. If you have a problem with discrimination, persecution, or harassment because of your sexual expression, please contact NCSF for assistance.
NCSF is not legal aid, nor do we offer specific legal advice for individuals. NCSF is a resource for the members of the kink, poly and Lifestyle communities and for people seeking information about them. NCSF provides publicly available information on kink and nonmonogamy for consenting adults. We advocate on behalf of the BDSM, swing and polyamory communities.
The following are statements from events, businesses and individuals NCSF has helped.
IR Criteria
The National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF)'s Incident Response (IR) Program uses three primary criteria for taking a case:
- The issue must openly, directly, and specifically relate to BDSM, swing or poly activities between consenting adults; in other words, the problems you face must relate to or be caused from your involvement in BDSM, swing or poly without question.
- The issue must be one whose outcome or precedent could affect not just the individual filing the complaint, but potentially a significant number of people with the same, or similar, problem.
- The incident needs to have a reasonable chance of a successful resolution: usually indicating that the individual filling has not also been found guilty of a crime other than behaviors currently considered illegal relating to BDSM, swing or poly.
2009 Incident Response Report
In 2009, the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF) again took the lead in defending the rights of individuals and groups in the SM-leather-fetish, swing and polyamory communities. NCSF's coalition of over 40 educational and social groups is committed to creating a political, legal, and social environment in the United States that advances equal rights of consenting adults who practice forms of alternative sexual expression.
NCSF's Incident Response team is directed by Director Leigha Fleming. In total, over 482 individuals, groups, attorneys, prosecutors, and businesses contacted NCSF for help in 2009. Each incident sometimes required only one or two phone calls, but some evolved into much larger projects.
NCSF received 482 distinct inquiries/requests for assistance. 337 required more than one contact/response to resolve, often requiring multiple contacts.
It is difficult to categorize many incident requests as clearly falling into one camp or another. Many overlap in categories. For example, many of our custody/divorce related issues involve at least 2 of our core constituent groups (i.e. SM/leather/fetish and poly for example). In trying to do a statistical breakdown of the requests, we placed it in the category it most clearly matched.
- 11% were requests regarding SM/abuse/domestic violence issues
- 36% were regarding criminal complaint issues
- 3% were regarding employment discrimination
- 27.5% were regarding child custody/divorce issues
- 17.5% were related to SM/leather/fetish group issues
- 1% were classed as non-employment discrimination
- 3% were related to swing community issues
- .5% were regarding online obscenity issues
- 3.5% were classed as "other"
Of the inquires:
- 95.5% were driven by SM/leather/fetish issues
- 3% by swing
- 1% by poly
- 0.5% by other
2009 saw an increased number of requests around criminal and domestic violence or SM/abuse related issues. NCSF worked with more than 46 attorneys representing defendants in criminal cases. In addition, we worked with more than 14 district attorneys and prosecutors related to SM issues. The vast majority of these criminal cases revolved around domestic abuse or consensual sex/play issues. There is a clear need for education within our own communities about the role and limits of consent and for education to police authorities about the differences between SM and abuse. Our Consent Counts project hopes to address some of these issues. There is a great need for educational within our own communities regarding consent and a great need for change in laws related to consensual adult sexual expression.
The implementation of KAP under NCSF's administration resulted in fewer requests for referrals because we were able to refer the request to our site. As we improve the KAP administration, and resource, the number of requests for referrals that need to be handled by a person will drop since we'll be able to refer people to the KAP database. The new administration tools for KAP in our website overhaul will also make the use of this tool much more efficient for both user and professional. In addition, NCSF has implemented new criteria for incident response. The document outlining the changes is included in the packet.
We continue to receive a number of requests for assistance from groups, businesses, and other support organizations who want information about how to operate legally, do law enforcement outreach, file for non-profit status, deal with the media or the press, do hotel/event outreach, or do research around zoning or other legal issues. We also continue to receive requests for assistance involving parents who were engaged in child custody and divorce cases. Parents continue to experience difficulties gaining child custody due to their interest in SM, swing or poly activities. NCSF worked with a number of attorneys representing parents accused of being unfit because of their alternative lifestyle interests. In many cases, because of information we were able to provide, the courts decided that alternative sexual expression alone was not cause to impugn a parent's ability to be a good parent. We have developed new workshops / FAQs for parents dealing with custody/divorce and child protective services.
NCSF's implementation of SaleForce will help us manage our Incident Response requests in a significantly more professional and consistent way. It will provide for direct access by someone needing help through a new customer service portal and it will allow NCSF staff/volunteers to track and log all calls and action on any given request.
NCSF is here to help you -- the SM, swing and polyamory communities. If you have a problem with discrimination, persecution, or harassment because of your sexual expression, please call NCSF for assistance. You can submit a request for assistance online or find a Kink Aware Professional (KAP) on our website as well at www.ncsfreedom.org. Emergency contact information is available by calling our office at 410.539.4824, 24 hours per day.
Please support NCSF in our effort to change the political, legal, and social environment in the United States. We are committed to making a difference. Join NCSF as a member or please hold a fund raiser and donate to NCSF!
2003 Incident Response Report
NCSF Supports Your Rights!
In 2003, National Coalition for Sexual Freedom (NCSF) once again took the lead in defending the rights of individuals and groups in the SM-leather-fetish, swing and polyamory communities. NCSF's coalition of 38 educational and social groups is committed to creating a political, legal, and social environment in the United States that advances equal rights of consenting adults who practice forms of alternative sexual expression.
Leigha Fleming directs NCSF's Incident Response team. In total during 2003, NCSF responded to more than 500 cases, with more than 1,300 contacts between NCSF and individuals, groups, attorneys, prosecutors, and businesses that requested assistance. Some incidents required only one or two phone calls, but many evolved into much larger projects such as the attacks by religious political groups against SM conferences.
In 42% of the incidents, NCSF assisted individuals. The largest category of incidents involved parents who were engaged in child custody and divorce cases. Parents continue to experience difficulties gaining child custody due to their interest in SM, swing or poly activities. NCSF worked with a number of attorneys representing parents accused of being unfit because of their alternative lifestyle interests. In many cases, because of information we were able to provide, the courts decided that alternative sexual expression alone was not cause to impugn a parent's ability to be a good parent.
We also helped families dealing with child protective services because of their alternative lifestyle interests.
NCSF saw a sharp rise in the number of requests for help from individuals experiencing employment discrimination because of their involvement in alternative lifestyles in 2003. Individuals also consulted with NCSF on a variety of other issues, including: the legality of obscene materials, guidelines for posting sexually frank information on websites, the law regarding private parties, criminal cases, dealing with law enforcement and dealing with personal media exposure.
In 2003, NCSF also opposed zoning and other local regulatory measures against those who practice some form of alternative sexual expression. NCSF assisted the swing communities in Illinois and North Carolina by working with them to fight back against punitive zoning restrictions. In addition, we extended our outreach to the polyamory community in 2003 by working with individuals impacted by discrimination against their relationship style.
Opposition to SM events based on religious concerns continued in 2003. The host hotel for My Vicious Valentine (February 14-16) received calls from Concerned Women for America at the end of January. The CWA attack against My Vicious Valentine fizzled out, in large part due to the extensive education about SM events that NCSF did for local authorities in 2002. Only one reporter called NCSF from the hotline number posted on MVV's website.
The Tribal Fire conference (April 4-6) in Oklahoma was again targeted by religious groups who took out ads in the local papers denouncing SM practices and threatening to picket the event. Tribal Fire's organizers met with the police detective and the hotel to ensure the event would go on as planned. However four Mennonites held a prayer vigil in the hotel lobby for 72 hours. NCSF staff members attended Tribal Fire and spoke out about the importance of standing up for our rights.
When Concerned Women for America attacked International Mr. Leather (May 30-June 1) they quoted the Illinois State Health Department as saying there is a higher rate of STDs in homosexual men. CWA proclaimed that IML was therefore a danger to employees and guests at the host hotel. Susan Wright contacted the Illinois State Health Department, and the AIDS/Infectious Diseases department declared they would speak to any media outlet to debunk the CWA's absurd claims. IML was held as planned.
The Black Rose conference (November 11-14) was forced to move from Ocean City, Maryland, back to their former host hotel in New Carrollton, Maryland when two churches in Ocean City led a grass-roots movement to prevent the event from taking place in their rural resort town. There was a great deal of initial confusion regarding Black Rose's media response, and as a result, there were many misrepresentations and prejudicial and inaccurate descriptions included in the articles in the Maryland Coast Dispatch and the Daily Times of Salisbury which inflamed the situation. NCSF attempted to mediate the situation by providing accurate and unbiased information on SM/leather/fetish to the local media.
Fetish in the Fall (November 20-23) scheduled to take place in Kenner, Louisiana (part of metropolitan New Orleans) was moved after it was attacked by the Kenner police chief. Police Chief Nick Congemi urged hotel managers to decline any request to hold the event in any Kenner hotel. In his letter and press release to the media, Chief Congemi stated that "allowing the event to take place would seriously jeopardize the family atmosphere for which Kenner is noted." Congemi had already announced his run for mayor of Kenner (election held in March, 2004). For many years prior to this, Congemi had allowed his police officers to work as off-duty security for the adult swing conference in Kenner, N'awlins in November, produced by the same company that produced Fetish in the Fall. NCSF was called in immediately and was able to generate positive media coverage of this incident.
NCSF also opposed zoning and other local regulatory measures against those who practice some form of alternative sexual expression. NCSF assisted the swing communities in North Carolina and Illinois by holding open-forum discussions about how to affect zoning regulations and current litigation against lifestyle clubs. NCSF also worked with the Gay and Lesbian Activist Alliance (GLAA) to lobby against the Washington DC's Alcoholic Beverage Control regulation 905, which has been used to prohibit SM play in local establishments with liquor licenses even when liquor isn't being sold or consumed. In response to an Action Alert created and distributed in conjunction with D.C. Sexual Minority Advocates (DCSMA), NCSF received over 130 cc'ed letters from community members stating they were concerned that this regulation will prevent SM community spaces from existing in Washington D.C.
The Labyrinth in Denver, a community SM space, was shut down by a restraining order because of zoning violations. The undercover investigation took many months. The Denver community organized an ad hoc group called COSMA (Colorado SM Advocates) to fight for their right to have an SM club. NCSF conducted multiple interviews with the Denver Post, Rocky Mountain News, Lakewood Sentinel, Channel 7, ABC affiliate, and KHOW 630 AM radio during this incident.
Media Incidents
NCSF gave 67 media interviews in 2003, with Susan Wright, Spokesperson, giving 49 interviews and Sue Gould, Swing Spokesperson, giving 18 interviews. Clubs and businesses regularly contact NCSF to receive media training for incidents or prior to holding an event.
NCSF began working with John Cloud, a reporter with Time Magazine in November 2003 on an article about the SM community, its history and practices. NCSF assisted in locating appropriate people in the SM community to be interviewed. Several SM conferences considered allowing the reporter into their event, but concerns over privacy prevented that. The positive article was published in January 2004.
In Indianapolis, a female professional dominant gave an interview with the local newspaper and Channel 6 News in May. This caused serious problems for her because she was located near a church-school and ran a home-based business (a D/s and role-play salon) with no business license or permits. The media and police received an anonymous tip about her illegal business operation. NCSF encouraged her to seek proper zoning, educated her about dealing with the media, and responded to media inquiries for her.
In March, NCSF was contacted by concerned community members about the Black Party's promo image, which showed a young man with a black eye and split lip. NCSF protested to the producers of the Black Party in NYC that this image doesn't portray SM but rather shows abuse. The NYC Anti-Violence Project, the National Coalition against Violence and other groups joined in this effort, writing to the producers protesting this image.
In one media incident, a nonprofit club in Muncie, Indiana, was threatened with closure along with a nearby strip bar until the media was educated about safe, sane and consensual SM. NCSF also gave media assistance to a swing club in Connecticut which was closed because of zoning issues.
Another media incident involved Nerve.com when they published a series of articles in June entitled "Letters from Leather Camp." The Nerve reporter infiltrated a private event, Leather Retreat. Leather Retreat didn't have a clause in their release form preventing reporters from writing for a commercial media outlet. Susan Wright negotiated with Michael Martin, Editor-in-Chief at Nerve.com, and sent out Nerve's statement and apology in NCSF's Media Update covering the articles. The comments section of Nerve.com was reinstated so SM community members could respond to the articles, and the articles themselves were purged of their most reprehensible comments.
Job discrimination continues to be a problem for individuals. NCSF helped more than a twenty people draft and file formal complaints with their employers regarding employment discrimination claims. One West Virginia woman lost her job because she belonged to a leather club. One Texas woman was sexually harassed by her supervisor when he found her website on the internet. She was initially terminated from her job when she complained about the harassment. NCSF worked with her and her husband to draft a formal grievance and helped her find a sympathetic attorney. She was rehired.
A number of discrimination complaints continue to be made regarding Paypal and E-bay regarding their policies for dealing with adult oriented vendors. Paypal and E-bay are deleting accounts that sell adult oriented merchandise. NCSF has contacted the parent company, E- bay, regarding their discriminatory practices. These companies continue their "no-adult content" policy in large part out of fears of prosecution for obscenity.
Criminal Cases
NCSF was contacted by individuals, attorneys and prosecutors on a variety of criminal cases, including: several cases of false rape, three different cases involving death of a participant, and two murder investigations. NCSF also made referrals to resources and the appropriate authorities in several domestic violence incidents. In three cases, NCSF was able to help the victim obtain protective orders and find appropriate counseling.
NCSF: On the Front Lines
NCSF is here to help you -- the SM, swing and polyamory communities. If you have a problem with discrimination, persecution, or harassment because of your sexual expression, please call NCSF for assistance. If you are contacted by the media, please call NCSF immediately so we can assist in educating the reporter about SM, swing or polyamory.
And please support NCSF in our effort to change the political, legal, and social environment in the United States. We are a volunteer organization committed to making a difference. Join NCSF as a member or please hold a fund-raiser and donate to NCSF!
NCSF in the News
For more information and current press releases.
S&M! Lewd Ken dolls! Worhington's wild weekend.
The Other Paper (Columbus, Ohio)
February, 12, 2009
Despite Right Wing Pressure, Straight BDSM Gathering Goes Forward
The Boston Edge
February 10, 2009
Interview with Susan Wright, Spokesperson for the National Coalition for Sexual Freedom
Kasidie Magazine
October 2008
Shrinks: Kinky Sex is a Mental Disorder
Mom Logic
September, 19, 2008
For some, Gitmo interrogation techniques are a real turn-on
New Jersey Star-Ledger
August 2008
Leather Scene Not as Gay as Imagined: Many gay folk in the bondage S/M scene relate more to the leather community than the LGBT community
By Bill Schoell
NY Blade
August 08, 2008
Man on video in R. Kelly trial: He did what?
By Rex W. Huppke
Chicago Tribune
June 8, 2008
Daddy do-right; The Sexies Awards
By Dan Savage
Detroit Metro Times
March 5, 2008
Death shines light on dangers of sex play
By Carly Weeks
Globe and Mail
February 28, 2008
Bound and Flagged: Members of Seattle kink community face discrimination in custody battles
By Jason Simms
The Stranger
February 21, 2007
When three's no crowd
By Rachel Breitman
Gay City News
October 25, 2007
Media, critics get whipped into frenzy by Leather Fest
By Jefferson Siegel and Lincoln Anderson
The Villager (NYC)
October 10 - 16, 2007
Pollard denied access to papers; Justices refuse to hear appeal
By Guy Taylor
The Washington Times
March 21, 2006
Arts Briefly: Justices reject photographer's appeal
By Ben Sisario
New York Times
March 21, 2006
Foes of Anti-porn Law Prep Appeal To Supreme Court
By Fresia Rodriguez Cadavid
Technology Daily
August 22, 2005
Spanking Jessica Cutler: Capitol Hill attorney sues Washingtonienne for exposing his kinks
By Rachel Kramer Bussel
Village Voice
May 31, 2005
Nothing wrong with sex
UCLA Daily Bruin
Feb 14, 2005
Waltham sex boutique aims to attract couples
By Joshua Myerov
Boston Globe
October 14, 2004
Sex, art & politics takes on John Ashcroft
By Susan Wright
San Francisco Bay Area Indymedia
August 30, 2004
Iowa State U.: Iowa State Board of Regents next to receive Cuffs appeal.
By Morris L. Manning
The America's Intelligence Wire
June 1, 2004
Iowa State U.: Members of Iowa State U. bondage group appeal assault verdict
By Tom Barton
The America's Intelligence Wire
May 3, 2004
East Carolina U.: Club focusing on fringe sexuality denied East Carolina U. association.
The America's Intelligence Wire
April 8, 2004
Iowa State U.: Group wants Iowa State U. Cuffs charges dropped.
The America's Intelligence Wire
By Tom Barton
February 23, 2004
Kenner police heavy-handed
The Advocate (Baton Rouge, LA)
October 20, 2003
Sex club is shut down: Restraining order targets 'private' fetish group in Lakewood
By Ann Schrader
Denver Post
May 21, 2003
Queen of Pain, Dominatrix: I'll whip courts over sex rap
Philadelphia Daily News
August 27, 2003
Slap leather, S&M lovers: 'Thunder' to peal soon
By Ann Schrader
Denver Post
June 1, 2003
Controlling clubs a zoning matter
By Peter Ward
The Sun (Lowell, MA)
December 28, 2002
A taste of the whip for Saddam: U.N. weapons inspector Jack McGeorge's leadership role in the Washington S/M scene isn't a liability, says a friend -- it'll help him distinguish between fantasy and reality.
By Kerry Lauerman
December 3, 2002
Monitor irons out kinks with UN
By Joe Williams
NY Daily News
November 30, 2002
U.N. begins searches in Iraq
By Maggie Farley, John J. Goldman And John Hendren
Los Angeles Times
November 28, 2002
No background checks on applicants: Critics say U.N. inspectors are inexperienced
By James V. Grimaldi
Washington Post
November 28, 2002
Cendant, sex lobby communicate but don't make up
Lodging Hospitality
October 1, 2002
Cendant spars with sexual freedom lobby
Lodging Hospitality
August 1, 2002
Bound by a boycott
The Advocate
May 28, 2002
Sex-Oriented convention opens today despite effort to ban it
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
April 27, 2002
What is going on in that ballroom?
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
April 25, 2002
Senator will try to block sadomasochism seminar
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
April 22, 2002
Senator wants sex seminar outlawed, says event is 'absolutely dangerous'
Belleville News-Democrat (St . Louis, MO)
April 22, 2002
Hotel will host seminar, despite objections from Southern Baptists...
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
April 7, 2002
One more faction whips Congress
The American Enterprise
March 1, 2002
Group with unconventional tastes draws ire over gathering
By Burt Constable
Daily Herald (Arlington Heights, IL)
February 7, 2002
The erotic web offensive
By Annalee Newitz
January 14, 2002
New suit targets obscenity law
By Julia Scheeres
December 12, 2001
Tough Love: Inside the city's growing sadomasochistic scene
Philadelphia Daily News
July 10, 2001
Kinky find a cause in 'Paddleboro'
By Amy Pagnozzi
Hartford Courant
March 9, 2001
Lawsuit targets last scraps of Net-obscenity law
By Sam Costello
December 20, 2001
New Suit Targets Obscenity Law
By Julia Scheeres
December 12, 2002
1976 case seen a key to Attleboro sex party charges
By Cindy Rodriguez
Boston Globe
July 17, 2000
N.Y. woman charged in Mass. spank party
By Leo Standora
NY Daily News
July 13th 2000
Safe, sane and consensual' is rule for sadomasochists
By Stacy Downs and Dawn Bormann
The Kansas City Star
June 16, 2000
NCSF Profile
An interview with Leigha Fleming, then-interim Executive Director of NCSF.
On Our Backs
Tristan Taormino interview former NCSF Executive Director Judy Guerin.


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MADISON, Wis., Nov. 7 (UPI) -- Wisconsin voters made history in electing Tammy Baldwin the first woman and the first openly gay politician to the U.S. Senate.
Baldwin, 50, an attorney and seven-term Democratic congresswoman, defeated four-term former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson in the statewide race that also put Wisconsin in President Obama's win column despite native son Rep. Paul Ryan being the Republican vice presidential nominee.
Ryan was re-elected to his U.S. House seat. Baldwin was elected to the seat of retiring four-term Democratic Sen. Herb Kohl.
Baldwin won 51 percent of the vote in a state that decisively banned gay marriage in a constitutional amendment six years ago, CNN reported.
"The people's voice was heard tonight, Wisconsin, and come January your voice will be heard in the United States Senate," Baldwin told cheering supporters in Madison. "I didn't run to make history, I ran to make a difference," she said.
She was elected to represent Wisconsin's second congressional district in 1998 and led efforts that passed hate crimes legislation and legislation to extend benefits to same-sex partners of federal employees.
"For the LGBT [lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender] person growing up in Wisconsin or anywhere across [the] country, seeing an openly gay woman who is able to rise up to become a senator in the U.S. Congress is an incredible role model," Chad Griffin, president of the gay-rights group Human Rights Commission, said in a statement.
The senate race was one of most expensive in Wisconsin history with nearly $66 million spent, $46 million of that by outside groups," the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel said.


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Research In Motion Ltd. fell the most since June after the BlackBerry's U.S. market share shrank to 1.6%, hurt by Apple Inc.'s iPhone winning more customers.
The stock dropped 11% to US$10.72 at the close in New York, the biggest decline since June 29. While the shares have rallied more than 35% in November, they are still down 26% this year.
The device's market share fell 6.9 percentage points over the 12-week period ended Oct. 28 from a year earlier, Kantar Worldpanel ComTech said today in a report. The iPhone's share more than doubled to 48%, fueled by the debut of a new model.
RIM had been climbing this month amid growing optimism that the company's BlackBerry 10 smartphones will be successful. The new lineup, due early next year, is the linchpin of RIM's plan to challenge the iPhone and Google Inc.'s Android operating system in a market that it once led.
RIM was hurt as more customers dumped their BlackBerrys and switched to the iPhone 5, adding to the ranks of previous Apple customers who also upgraded to the latest model, said Dominic Sunnebo, a Kantar analyst.
"Apple has always managed to maintain loyalty levels far above the competition," he said.
RIM has said the BlackBerry 10 models will go on sale in February on multiple continents and are currently being tested by more than 50 carriers. That has triggered at least three upgrades from analysts. Until the debut, sales are set to struggle as BlackBerry faithful hold off on upgrading to await the newer models.
Sales probably fell 49% last quarter to US$2.65-billion, according to the average analyst estimate in a Bloomberg survey. RIM reports earnings on Dec. 20.


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Tagliatelle Pasta Recipes
View All | View Summaries
Ricotta Pasta with Chimichurri
03.02.10 by Jackie
I love chimichurri sauce. The bright green color and subtle spiciness are perfect with steamed fish or grilled skirt steak. I've wanted to incorporate this delicious green sauce into a vegetarian dish for some time now to share with my husband Lulu.
So, I made a dish of fettuccine pasta with a creamy white sauce and served it with a little chimichurri sauce. The creaminess of the white sauce is made with ricotta cheese and it matches wonderfully with the garlic and herb flavor of the chimicurri. It's a healthy alternative to fettuccine alfredo that doesn't skimp on flavor.
Full Recipe...


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ATLANTA, April 24 (UPI) -- For U.S. children born in the last 20 years, vaccinations will prevent more than 21 million hospitalizations and 732,000 deaths from diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella, polio, tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis or whooping cough.
Tom Frieden, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, said the Vaccines for Children program created by the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1993 and implemented in 1994 was designed to ensure that eligible children do not contract vaccine-preventable diseases due to their parents' inability to pay.
The program was created in response to a resurgence of more than 55,000 cases of measles in the United States during 1989 to 1991 even though the measles vaccine has been available since 1963.
A report in the CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report found 20 years' worth of vaccines given to U.S. children born between 1994 and 2013 over their entire lifetime averted $402 billion in direct costs and $1.5 trillion in societal costs.
"After accounting for $107 billion in direct costs and $121 billion in societal costs of routine childhood immunization, the net present value -- net savings -- of routine childhood immunization from the payers' and societal perspectives were $295 billion and $1.38 trillion, respectively," the report said.
"Thanks to the VFC program, children in our country are no longer at significant risk from diseases that once killed thousands each year," Frieden said in a statement.
Approximately 50 percent of U.S. children and teens age 19 and younger are eligible to receive vaccines via the VFC program and receive vaccines if they are Medicaid-eligible, uninsured, American Indian/Alaska Native, or, for those whose health insurance does not fully cover immunizations, when they are receive medical care at a federally qualified health center or rural health clinic.
"Current outbreaks of measles in the U.S. serve as a reminder that these diseases are only a plane ride away. Borders can't stop measles, but vaccination can."
Despite a high level of U.S. immunization against measles, 129 people were reported to have measles this year in 13 outbreaks, as of April 18, Frieden said.


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Welcome Marc Girardot, IBSG, to the Manufacturing Industry Blog
Please Welcome Marc Girardot to the Manufacturing Industry Blog
It is with great pleasure that I introduce Marc Girardot as our latest Manufacturing Industry Thought Leader. Marc has a distinguished career at Cisco and is currently managing director of the Global Automotive Practice in the Cisco Internet Business Solutions Group (IBSG).
As a core team member of IBSG's manufacturing senior staff, he provides strategic assistance to car manufacturers and to related organizations looking to capitalize on the transformative power of new technologies. Marc consults with senior executives from the auto industry and coordinates Cisco's global efforts to accelerate innovation and industry transformation in automotive.
Throughout the globe, Marc and his team have worked for most Auto OEMs on topics such Innovation, Connected Car, Customer Experience, Next Generation Dealers, the Car of the future, Distributed Engineering, and Corporate Culture.
Most recently, Marc co-authored with Michael Schwarz an industry-changing point of view called "Electronics-ization in Automotive: Reinventing the Car Industry Model to Boost Profitable Innovation" which I encourage you to read.
For the past ten years, Marc has been one of the main Thought Leaders on Connected Car, and a keynote speaker at multiple industry events. As early as 2003, Marc was part of the team working with car-maker Renault-Nissan to pioneer the first ever IPV6 enabled car. Bridging the world of IT and Auto, and inspired by Cisco's model of network rationalization and convergence plays, Marc imagined a converged car networking architecture for cars. Cisco recently patented this idea, and Marc believes Cisco should role play a central role in this transformation. Today, this vision is coming to reality with Cisco's commitment to the Connected Industries Business Unit.
He has published several papers on Automotive and other topics, notably on Smart and Connected Passenger Vehicles (with Dr. Dirk Schlesinger)
Marc has more than 20 years of industry and consulting experience working for leading corporations across the globe. Before coming to Cisco, he was senior associate for Booz Allen Hamilton's Communications Media and Technology Group. He also has extensive experience in the oil and gas industry, where he consulted for British Petroleum, Exxon, and Elf. Prior to his consulting years, Marc held a variety of management positions in sales, management accounting, auditing, and strategy for industrial gas leader Air Liquide.
Marc holds an MBA from INSEAD, France, and a master's degree in Economics and Finance from ESSEC, France.
Welcome Marc!
In an effort to keep conversations fresh, Cisco Blogs closes comments after 60 days. Please visit the Cisco Blogs hub page for the latest content.


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Only hotels in 08933 zip code are listed below. Search for cheap and discount hotel rates in New Brunswick, NJ for your upcoming leisure or conference / group travel. We list the best 08933 hotels and motels so you can review the New Brunswick hotel list below to find the perfect lodging. Hotels in Middlesex county and area code 732 are also listed.
How should we direct your call?


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Clash of the Titans is a decent enough remake of the original - but do yourself a favor: Save your hard-earned money and skip the awful 3D version.
Screen Rant reviews Clash of the Titans
I really want to make this a review of Clash of the Titans and not a rant against post-production-applied 3D, but considering how awful and distracting I found the 3D - it's going to be difficult. I highly recommend that if you go watch this film you do so in a regular old 2D presentation. Please take that recommendation seriously.
This remake of the 1981 film is certainly less cheesy than that Harry Hamlin-starring version. Now don't take that as a slam of the original - I enjoyed the heck out of it when it was released, nor as high praise of this version. However I did see it recently and it's not one of those films that stands up to the test of time - you really have to appreciate it within the context of the time it was made.
The story follows that of the original pretty closely, with Perseus (Sam Worthington) being found in a locked coffin at sea in the arms of his dead mother. He's taken in by Spyros (Pete Postlethwaite), a common fisherman and raised by him and his wife to be a good, hard working man. Unfortunately Perseus' family is caught in the crossfire of a battle between some soldiers and one of the gods (Hades, played by Ralph Fiennes) and they are all killed (not really a spoiler, this happens very early on and his Perseus' prime motivation throughout the film).
Mankind is rebelling against the gods, and Zeus (Liam Neeson), who created mankind is none to happy about it. Hades sees an opportunity to regain power and convinces Zeus to allow the release of the legendary monster the Kraken should a sacrifice of the king's daughter not take place before the next solar eclipse. Perseus is recruited by the king to go on a quest that will result in his daughter's life being spared, and our hero is happy to comply for his own reasons of revenge against Hades.
There are plenty of action set pieces to keep audiences happy, including a battle against not one, but three giant scorpions, a battle against the grotesque Calibos (Jason Flemyng), Medusa, and of course the Kraken. The non-CGI visual effects were great, and I loved the look of the film overall when it came to the characters, costumes, etc. But the CGI was all over the map... Pegasus looked excellent, a seamless blend of CGI wings with a live horse - but then you had Medusa, who looked like she belonged in a medium grade video game (I vastly prefer the stop-motion animation version from the original film). The Kraken however, was epic. Incredibly huge and vast in size and definitely formidable.
When it came to the actors, Sam Worthington was fine - he always seems to underplay his roles, maybe a little too much. Neeson wasn't really given room to flex his acting muscles, mainly standing around wearing blinding silver armor. Fiennes was quite effective as Hades, and aside from his acting, I really loved the look of his character, especially when he appears on screen out of nowhere - very impressive. Gemma Arterton, while beautiful, played it quite vanilla here. One actor that I thought exuded a serious screen presence and the impression of power was Mads Mikkelsen as Draco (if he looks maddeningly familar it's because he played the villain in the James Bond reboot Casino Royale). I also enjoyed some of the supporting characters which were played for laughs.
Oh, but the 3D... freaking AWFUL.