bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Desigualdade espacial da mortalidade neonatal no Brasil: 2006 a 2010
Authors: Oliveira Genyklea Silva de , Lima Marina Clarissa Barros de Melo , Lyra Clélia de Oliveira , Oliveira Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli da Costa , Ferreira Maria Angela Fernandes
Published: April 2013

O objetivo deste estudo é analisar a distribuição espacial da mortalidade neonatal e sua correlação com os fatores biológicos, socioeconômicos e de atenção à saúde materno-infantil, nos estados brasileiros, no período de 2006 a 2010. Foram construídos mapas temáticos e de correlação (LISA) para verificação de dependência espacial e modelos de regressão linear múltipla. Verificou-se que não há autocorrelação espacial para mortalidade neonatal nos estados brasileiros (I = 0,002; p = 0,48). A maioria das variáveis estava correlacionada (r > 0,3, p < 0,05) com a mortalidade neonatal, formando clusters em estados do Norte e Nordeste, com maiores taxas de mães adolescentes, renda domiciliar per capta baixa, menor realização de consultas de pré-natal e de leitos de UTI Neonatal. O número de leitos de UTI Neonatal manteve efeito independente após a análise de regressão. Conclui-se que as desigualdades regionais das condições de vida e, principalmente, de acesso aos serviços de saúde materno-infantil contribuem para a distribuição desigual da mortalidade neonatal no Brasil.
A desigualdade espacial do Baixo Peso ao Nascer no Brasil
Authors: Lima Marina Clarissa Barros de Melo , Oliveira Genyklea Silva de , Lyra Clélia de Oliveira , Roncalli Angelo Giuseppe , Ferreira Maria Angela Fernandes
Published: April 2013

O baixo peso ao nascer (BPN) é fator de risco para a morbidade, mortalidade neonatal e infantil. No Brasil os maiores percentuais de baixo peso ao nascer ocorrem em regiões de melhor situação socioeconômica. O objetivo deste artigo é conhecer a distribuição espacial de taxas de baixo peso ao nascer e a correlação com indicadores sociais e de serviço. Desenho: ecológico, tendo os estados brasileiros como unidades de análise. Utilizou-se técnica de análise espacial, dados de 2009 do SINASC, IPEA e IBGE. Taxas maiores de baixo peso ao nascer estão nos estados da região sul/sudeste, Moran Global: 0,267, p = 0,02. Aglomerados do tipo alto-alto na região Sudeste e baixo-baixo em estados da região da Amazônia Legal. A desigualdade espacial do baixo peso ao nascer reflete as condições socioeconômicas dos estados. Regiões mais desenvolvidas detêm maiores taxas de baixo peso ao nascer, portanto, a presença do serviço e sua utilização fazem diminuir a mortalidade infantil e aumentar o BPN.
Atribuições dos Técnicos em Saúde Bucal na Estratégia Saúde da Família em Minas Gerais, Brasil
Authors: Sanglard-Oliveira Carla Aparecida , Werneck Marcos Azeredo Furquim , Lucas Simone Dutra , Abreu Mauro Henrique Nogueira Guimarães de
Published: April 2013

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar o autorrelato de funções executadas pelos Técnicos em Saúde Bucal no Estado de Minas Gerais. Estudo transversal e descritivo, realizado por meio de entrevista telefônica, com amostra representativa de 231 trabalhadores. A análise descritiva envolveu cálculo de proporções. Observou-se que 71,6% (IC 95%, 64,4-77,5) realizavam polimento coronário, 63,2% (IC 95%, 56,1-69,7) faziam raspagem de cálculo e 14,7% (IC 95%, 10,3-20,4) condensavam e inseriam materiais restauradores. Em relação às ações preventivas/coletivas, 100% (IC 95%, 97,6-100,0) participavam de ações educativas, 99,0% (IC 95%, 96,1-99,8) demonstravam técnicas de higiene bucal, 96,6% (IC 95%, 92,7-98,4) realizavam a aplicação tópica de flúor, 77,9% (IC 95%, 71,5-83,3) realizavam visitas domiciliares, e 96,6% (IC 95%, 92,7-98,4) realizavam ações coletivas, principalmente em escolas. Os Técnicos em Saúde Bucal têm desprendido seu tempo mais em atividades preventivas/coletivas do que em atividades assistenciais.
Latitudinal patterns of phenology and age‐specific thermal performance across six Coenagrion damselfly species
Authors: Nilsson-Örtman Viktor , Stoks Robby , De Block Marjan , Johansson Frank
Published: March 2013

Using a combination of computer simulations and laboratory experiments we test if the thermal sensitivity of growth rates change during ontogeny in damselfly larvae and if these changes can be predicted based on the natural progression of average temperature or thermal variability in the field. The laboratory experiment included replicated species from Southern, Central, and Northern Europe. Although annual fluctuations in temperature represent a key characteristic of temperate environments, few studies of thermal performance have considered the ecological importance of the studied traits within a seasonal context. Instead, thermal performance is assumed to remain constant throughout ontogeny and to reflect selection acting over the whole life cycle. The laboratory experiment revealed considerable variation among species in the strength and direction of ontogenetic performance shifts. In four species from Southern and Central Europe, reaction norms were steepest during early ontogeny, becoming less steep during later ontogenetic stages (indicative of low‐temperature acclimation). In one Northern European species, the slope of reaction norms did not change during ontogeny. In the other North European species, reaction norms became steeper during ontogeny (indicative of high‐temperature acclimation). We had expected high‐latitude species to show strong low‐temperature acclimation responses, because they have a short flight season and inhabit a strongly seasonal environment. Instead, we found the reversed pattern: Low‐latitude species displayed strong low‐temperature acclimation responses, and high‐latitude species displayed weak, or even reversed, acclimation responses to low temperatures. These findings suggest that low‐temperature acclimation may be less beneficial and possibly more costly in habitats with rapid seasonal transitions in average temperature. We conclude that thermal performance traits are more dynamic than typically assumed and caution against using results from single ontogenetic stages to predict species' responses to changing environmental conditions.
In-Service Assistive Technology Training to Support People With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: A Case Study
Authors: Haynes Scott
Published: March 2013

Assistive technology (AT) benefits many individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). The appropriate application of accommodation solutions, whether they involve the use of AT or not, can be a complex process involving a team of people with various backgrounds. This article describes an in-service AT training program that was developed for case managers (CMs) serving individuals with IDD. The article goes on to describe results of the course evaluations designed to measure participant knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors relating to the application of AT in developing accommodation solutions for individuals with IDD. Results indicate that CMs saw limited financial resources as a significant barrier to obtaining appropriate accommodations. However, CMs also felt better equipped to identify appropriate AT accommodation solutions and were more likely to apply AT solutions following completion of the training program.
Current Knowledge and Training Needs of Certified Rehabilitation Counselors to Work Effectively With Veterans With Disabilities
Authors: Frain Michael , Bishop Malachy , Tansey Timothy , Sanchez Jennifer , Wijngaarde Frank
Published: March 2013

Veterans with disabilities have gained national attention in recent years because of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. This study examined certified rehabilitation counselors’ (CRCs ) knowledge and preparation for working with veterans with disabilities on their rehabilitation. Results indicate that CRCs report low levels of preparation in some of the areas deemed important by veterans and professionals. However, CRCs report high knowledge in many important areas to work effectively with veterans with disabilities.
Evaluating Curricular Influence on Preparation for Practice, Career Outcomes, and Job Satisfaction: Results From an Alumni Survey of a 40-Year Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling Program
Authors: Smith Tammy Jorgensen , Reid Joan A. , Henry Ryan G. , Dixon Charlotte G. , Wright Tennyson J.
Published: March 2013

Alumni of a Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE)–accredited graduate rehabilitation counselor education (RCE) program were surveyed to evaluate career outcomes, job satisfaction, licensure and certification rates, client populations served, and RCE program satisfaction and effectiveness. Results indicate a high level of satisfaction with the program and career outcomes and confirm the program’s effectiveness in meeting the education and career needs of its graduates. Information obtained provides valuable insight for other RCE programs that aspire to improve and grow to meet the needs of their students and the field.
The Conventional and Unconventional About Disability Conventions: A Reflective Analysis of United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities
Authors: Umeasiegbu Veronica I. , Bishop Malachy , Mpofu Elias
Published: March 2013

This article presents an analysis of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in relation to prior United Nations conventions on disability and U.S. disability policy law with a view to identifying the conventional and also the incremental advances of the CRPD. Previous United Nations conventions related to disability have had, at best, partial success in effectively protecting the human rights of individuals with disabilities. The CRPD, as a policy instrument, has considerable potential for advancing the legal rights of persons with disabilities in the United States and globally. This article reviews this potential from national and international perspectives and explores the implications of the CRPD for rehabilitation counseling advocacy and education.
A Headspace‐Analysis Approach to Assess the Sorption of Fuel Volatile Compounds by Soils
Authors: Balseiro-Romero María , Monterroso Carmen
Published: April 2013

Sorption of volatile compounds from fuel by soils affects the final environmental fate of these contaminants and strongly determines the efficiency of decontamination techniques. The headspace‐analysis approach used in this study indirectly relates the sorption exerted by soils with the contaminant analytical recovery, which will be different according to the matrix effect of each particular sample. The aim of this study was to assess the sorption of benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) and fuel oxygenates by a wide selection of soil components and soil samples and to determine the influence of the physicochemical properties of the sample and the contaminant, the contaminant concentration, the incubation time, and the temperature on sorption. For this purpose, the samples were spiked with BTEX and fuel oxygenates in hermetically sealed vials and later analyzed by headspace‐gas chromatography–mass spectrometry under several contaminant concentration, incubation time, and temperature conditions. The results were then compared to assess the sorption exerted by each sample under each scenario. Significant differences were found between the recovery of BTEX and fuel oxygenates, mainly due to the different mobility, polarity, and sorption mechanisms involved while interacting with soil surface charges. Furthermore, these interactions determined the kinetic and strength of sorption and had a strong influence on the recovery of BTEX and fuel oxygenates at different temperatures. The headspace analysis approach resulted in a quick, easy, simple, automatable, and environmentally friendly technique to obtain important information for understanding the behavior of fuel volatile compounds in soil under very different conditions. In addition, it establishes a good starting point for developing more sophisticated adsorption and soil remediation studies.
Self‐Potentials in Partially Saturated Media: The Importance of Explicit Modeling of Electrode Effects
Authors: Jougnot D. , Linde N.
Published: April 2013

Self‐potential (SP) data are of interest to vadose zone hydrology because of their direct sensitivity to water flow and ionic transport. There is unfortunately little consensus in the literature about how to best model SP data under partially saturated conditions, and different approaches (often supported by one laboratory data set alone) have been proposed. We argue that this lack of agreement can largely be traced to electrode effects that have not been properly taken into account. A series of drainage and imbibition experiments were considered in which we found that previously proposed approaches to remove electrode effects were unlikely to provide adequate corrections. Instead, we explicitly modeled the electrode effects together with classical SP contributions using a flow and transport model. The simulated data agreed overall with the observed SP signals and allowed decomposing the different signal contributions to analyze them separately. After reviewing other published experimental data, we suggest that most of them include electrode effects that have not been properly taken into account. Our results suggest that previously presented SP theory works well when considering the modeling uncertainties presently associated with electrode effects. Additional work is warranted to not only develop suitable electrodes for laboratory experiments but also to assure that associated electrode effects that appear inevitable in longer term experiments are predictable, so that they can be incorporated into the modeling framework.
Novel Methods for Characterization of Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation in Human Left Atria
Authors: Zhao Jichao , Yao Yan , Huang Wen , Shi Rui , Zhang Shu , LeGrice Ian J , Lever Nigel A , Smaill Bruce H
Published: April 2013

Introduction:

More effective methods for characterizing 3D electrical activity in human left atrium (LA) are needed to identify substrates/triggers and microreentrant circuit for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). We describe a novel wavelet-based approach and wave-front centroid tracking that have been used to reconstruct regional activation frequency and electrical activation pathways from non-contact multi-electrode array.

Methods:

Data from 13 patients acquired prior to ablation for PAF with a 64 electrode noncontact catheter positioned in the LA were analysed. Unipolar electrograms were reconstructed at 2048 locations across each LA endocardial surface. Weighted fine- and coarse-scale electrograms were constructed by wavelet decomposition and combined with peak detection to identify atrial fibrillation (AF) activation frequency and fractionated activity at each site. LA regions with upper quartile AF frequencies were identified for each patient. On the other hand, a wave-front centroid tracking approach was introduced for this first time to detect macro-reentrant circuit during PAF.

Results:

The results employing wavelet-based analysis on atrial unipolar electrograms are validated by the signals recorded simultaneously via the contacted ablation catheter and visually tracking the 3D spread of activation through the interest region. Multiple connected regions of high frequency electrical activity were seen; most often in left superior pulmonary vein (10/12), septum (9/12) and atrial roof (9/12), as well as the ridge (8/12). The wave-front centroid tracking approach detects a major macro circuit involving LPVs, PLA, atrial floor, MV, septum, atrial roof and ridge. The regions with high frequency by wave-front tracking are consistent with the results using wavelet approach and our clinical observations.

Conclusions:

The wavelet-based technique and wave-front centroid tracking approach provide a robust means of extracting spatio-temporal characteristics of PAF. The approach could facilitate accurate identification of pro-arrhythmic substrate and triggers, and therefore, to improve success rate of catheter ablation for AF.
Stability of Cachet Phakic Intraocular Lens Position During 6-Months Follow-Up
Authors: Lomoriello D Schiano , Lombardo M , Gualdi L , Iacobelli L , Tranchina L , Ducoli P , Serrao S
Published: April 2013

Purpose:

To evaluate the position stability of a phakic intraocular lens (Cachet pIOL; Alcon, Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX) in the anterior chamber (AC) during a 6-months follow-up.

Methods:

Thirty eyes of 16 subjects underwent a Cachet pIOL implantation for the correction of high myopia from -6.50 to -16.00 D with plano targeted refraction. The position stability of the Cachet pIOL was evaluated using an Anterior Segment-OCT (AS-OCT, Carl Zeiss AG, Oberkochen, Germany) at 1- and 6-months postoperatively. Three measurements have been taken into account: 1) the minimum distance between the anterior surface of the Cachet pIOL optic disk and the central corneal endothelium; 2) the minimum distance between the optic disk’s edges of the pIOL and the endothelium; 3) the minimum distance between the posterior surface of the pIOL optic disk and the anterior surface of the crystalline lens. The endothelial cell density (ECD) was also recorded.

Results:

No statistically significant changes of the Cachet pIOL position in the AC were found during follow-up. The average changes were ≤0.1 mm between 1- and 6-months postoperatively (P>0.05). At the end of follow-up, The mean ECD loss was 0.7 % (from 2794 ± 337 cell/mm2 to 2776 ± 388 cell/mm2; P>0.05).

Conclusion:

A high position stability of the Cachet pIOL in the anterior chamber was shown during a 6-months follow-up.
Influence of Operating Conditions on Electrochemical Reduction of Nitrate in Groundwater
Authors: Huang Wenli , Li Miao , Zhang Baogang , Feng Chuanping , Lei Xiaohui , Xu Bin
Published: March 2013

The influences of current density, initial pH, cation and anion concentrations, and the coexistence of Ca2+ and HCO3− on the efficiency of electrochemical nitrate reduction by a copper cathode and Ti/IrO2 anode in an undivided cell were studied. In the presence of 5 mM of sodium chloride (NaCl), the nitrate‐nitrogen concentration decreased from 3.57 to 0.69 mM in 120 minutes, and no ammonia or nitrite byproducts were detected. The nitrate reduction rate increased as the current density increased. The electrochemical method performed well at an initial pH range of 3.0 to 11.0. The rate of nitrate reduction increased as concentrations of Na+, K+, and Ca2+ increased. The anion of the supporting electrolyte decreased the rate of reduction in the order Cl− > HCO32‐ = CO32‐ > SO42‐ at both 5 mM and 10 mM of anion. The coexistence of Ca2+ and HCO3− ions could inhibit nitrate reduction. The concentration of nitrate‐nitrogen in polluted groundwater decreased from 2.80 to 0.31 mM after electrolysis for 120 minutes.
Effects of Microwave Irradiation on Dewaterability and Extracellular Polymeric Substances of Waste Activated Sludge
Authors: Peng Ge , Ye Fenxia , Ye Yangfang
Published: March 2013

The effects of microwave irradiation on filterability and dewaterability of waste activated sludge measured by capillary suction time (CST) and dry solids in sludge cake were investigated. The results showed that the optimum irradiation time improved filterability, but that further increase of the time was detrimental. Dewaterability was enhanced significantly and increased with microwave time. Filterability and dewaterability were improved 25 to 28% and 1.3 times at the optimum times of 30 and 90 seconds for the sludge of 5 g total suspended solids (TSS)/L and 7 g TSS/L, respectively. The floc size decreased slightly. Loosely bound extracellular polymeric substances (LB‐EPS) decreased under optimum time, but tightly bound extracellular polymeric substances did not change significantly after short irradiation time. The results implied that LB‐EPS played a more important role in the observed changes of filterability and dewaterability and that the double‐layered extracellular polymeric substances extraction method showed marked implications to dewaterability.
Evaluating the Effect of Dissolved Oxygen on Simultaneous Nitrification and Denitrification in Polyurethane Foam Contact Oxidation Reactors
Authors: Tan Chong , Ma Fang , Li Ang , Qiu Shan , Li Jianzheng
Published: March 2013

The effects of dissolved oxygen on simultaneous nitrification and denitrification were evaluated in polyurethane foam contact oxidation reactors in a municipal wastewater treatment process. It was observed that nitrate could be removed at low dissolved oxygen levels, but the removal rate was gradually reduced as the dissolved oxygen concentration increased to a higher level of 6.0 mg/L. Nitrogen removal remained optimal within the dissolved oxygen range of 0.5 to 1.0 mg/L. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis revealed that the diversity of the microbial community changed accompanying dissolved oxygen values of 0.5 to 1.0 mg/L, 2.5 to 3.5 mg/L, 6.0 to 6.5 mg/L, and 10.0 to 12.0 mg/L, in turn, which was supported by the Shannon‐Wiener index of 1.56, 1.71, 1.43, and 1.56, accordingly. Both DGGE profiling and phylogenetic analysis confirmed that the nitrifiers in reactors that are responsible for nitrification during the experiment include Nitrosospira sp., Nitrosomonas sp., and Nitrospira sp.
Hydrochemical Modeling and Assessment of Groundwater Contamination in Northwest Sinai, Egypt
Authors: El Alfy Mohamed
Published: March 2013

This study aims to investigate groundwater geochemical characteristics, and to assess the effects of groundwater contamination in northwest Sinai, Egypt. A geographic information system, geochemical modeling, and statistical analyses tools were used. Twenty‐five groundwater samples from a Quaternary aquifer were sampled. These water samples were analyzed for major, minor, and trace elements. The results of this study contribute to a better understanding of the hydrochemical characteristic as well as the anthropogenic processes of groundwater pollution. On the basis of these analyses, the geochemical parameters and the anomalous concentration of different elements enable the characterization of salinity sources of the brackish waters and the suspected sources of polluted water. Pollution sources are represented by waste disposal and agricultural activities as well as the probable upward leakage of highly saline water from the deeper aquifers and the saltwater intrusion. Pollution risk is high when the depth of the water table is shallow (0.3 to 15.0 m) and the aquifer has high hydraulic conductivity and poor matrix buffering capacity.
Multicausal Analysis on Water Deterioration Processes Present in a Drinking Water Treatment System
Authors: Wang Li , Ma Fang , Pang Changlong , Firdoz Shaik
Published: March 2013

The fluctuation of water turbidity has been studied during summer in the settling tanks of a drinking water treatment plant. Results from the multiple cause‐effect model indicated that five main pathways interactively influenced thequalityof tank water. During rain, turbidity levels increased mainly as a result of decreasing pH and anaerobic reactions (partial effect = 68%). Increasing water temperature combined with dissolved oxygen concentration (partial effect = 64%) was the key parameterforcontrolling decreases in water turbidity during nighttime periods after a rainy day. The dominant factor influencing increases in turbidity during sunny daytime periods was algal blooms (partial effect = 86%). However, short‐circuiting waves (partial effect = 77%) was the main cause for increased nighttime water turbidityafter a sunny day. The trade offbetween regulatory pathways was responsible for environmental changes, and the outcome was determined by the comparative strengths of each pathway.
Aerobic Granulation in a Sequencing Batch Reactor for the Treatment of Piggery Wastewater
Authors: Zhang Dalei , Wang Yanan , Li Hongwei , Wang Shaoran , Jing Yumei
Published: March 2013

This study investigated the formation of aerobic granules fed with digested piggery wastewater. After 42 days of cultivation, small yellow granules with mean diameter of 0.4 mm were first observed in the reactor. Scanning electron microscope pictures showed the granules were compact, round structures with clear outer shapes and mainly composed of filamentous bacteria. Maximum chemical oxygen demand and ammonia removal ratios were 90.1 and 91.7%, respectively. The Monod equation, which was used to describe ammonium utilization, yielded a maximum rate of 6.25 mg (g volatile suspended solids)−1 h−1. The measurement of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) content and three‐dimensional excitation and emission matrix results showed that the EPS concentration increased during the granulation process. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis showed significant amounts of nitrifying bacteria in the aerobic granules. Results in this study provide insights to the treatment of piggery wastewater using aerobic granular sludge.
Hydrochemical Characterization of a Groundwater Aquifer and its Water Quality in Relation to Irrigation in the Jinghuiqu Irrigation District of China
Authors: Liu Xiuhua , Li Lin , Hu Anyan
Published: March 2013

The Jinghuiqu irrigation district is located in the semi‐arid regions of northwestern China, where groundwater is the most important natural source for local industry, agriculture and residents. The present work was conducted in the Jinghuiqu irrigation district to characterize the groundwater aquifer, which has undergone long‐term flood irrigation for over 2000 years. Isotopic and hydrochemical analyses, along with geological and hydrogeological tools, were used to determine the chemical properties and evolutionary processes of the groundwater aquifer. Results showed that the groundwater chemistry had changed significantly from 1990 to 2009. Water with concentrations of CaMgSO4 had decreased significantly, from 60% to 28% of the total water samples, during the period, while water with concentrations of NaSO4 and NaCl increased significantly, from 28% to 72%. The salinity of the groundwater increased rapidly and the affected area had expanded to most of the irrigation district. Stable isotope studies showed that most of the groundwater concentrations were derived from sulfate mineral dissolution. The minerals saturation indices (SI), ion ratios and oxygen isotope values of the groundwater indicated that the shallow groundwater had mainly experienced mineral dissolution, cation exchange, and mixing of the irrigated surface waters and groundwater. The groundwater quality had continuously evolved toward salinization as concentrations of SO42− and Na+ grew to dominate it. Water quality risk analyses showed that most of the saline groundwater is not suitable for domestic and irrigation uses, especially in the middle and eastern parts of the irrigation district. These findings indicate that the irrigation district should strengthen the groundwater resources management.
Modeling Methods for Identifying Critical Source Areas of Bacteria: Recent Developments and Future Perspectives
Authors: Tong Yangbin , Deng Zhiqiang
Published: March 2013

Identification of critical source areas of bacteria in a watershed is essential to environmental management and restoration. As a result of the nonpoint and distributed nature of bacterial pollution in watersheds, it is often difficult to identify specific source areas of bacteria for remediation because bacteria collected from different sampling sites might display similar fingerprints. Over the past decade, extensive efforts have been made to identify microbial pollution sources, especially in watersheds. The primary objective of this study was to identify effective methods that can be applied to tracking critical source areas of bacteria in a watershed by a review of recent developments in several modeling methods. Comparisons of the models and their applications revealed that comprehensive watershed‐scale source area tracking primarily involves two steps—geographical tracking and mathematical tracking. In terms of geographical tracking, bacterial source locations must be identified to prepare structural best management practices or low impact development for site treatments. For mathematical tracking, the quantity (strength) or release history of bacterial sources must be computed to develop total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) for bacterial load reduction and water quality restoration. Mathematically, source tracking is essentially an inverse modeling issue under uncertainty, requiring inverse modeling combined with a geostatistical method or an optimization algorithm. Consequently, combining biological methods, mathematical models, and sensor technologies (including remote sensing and in‐situ sensing) provides an effective approach to identifying critical source locations of bacteria at the watershed‐scale.
Spatially Variable Deoxygenation in the Danshui River: Improvement in Model Calibration
Authors: Chen Chien‐Hung , Lung Wu‐Seng , Yang Chung‐Han , Lin Cheng‐Fang
Published: March 2013

A modeling study of the Danshui River, Taiwan, reveals that in‐stream BOD deoxygenation rates vary significantly along the river as a result of the highly variable strength of wastewater discharges, which directly reflect the effluent characteristics. A comprehensive field data gathering and lab analysis effort for the study site is presented. Results of the data analyses yielded spatially variable CBOD deoxygenation and nitrification rates, which were incorporated in a model of the river. The model results indicate significant improvement of model calibration, thus enhancing the predictive capability of the model for its use in water quality management. To maximize the benefits of pollution control for the Danshui River system and to achieve the water quality management goal, concurrent reductions of CBOD and ammonia loads, instead of phased reduction of CBOD followed by ammonia reduction, are strongly recommended by the model results.
Chemical Oxygen Demand Removal Efficiency and Limited Factors Study of Aminosilicone Polymers in a Water Emulsion by Iron–Carbon Micro‐Electrolysis
Authors: Yang Shangyuan , Liang Zhiwei , Yu Huadong , Wang Yunlong , Chen Yingxu
Published: March 2013

Micro‐electrolysis was applied in the present study to investigate the effect of pH, iron–carbon mass ratio, contact time, and treatment batch on the removal efficiency of chemical oxygen demand (COD) within an aminosilicone emulsion. The results exhibited that the removal efficiency of COD decreased linearly with the batch increase, and this tendency was consistent under the various conditions. The adsorption of activated carbons contributes a large portion to the elimination of COD within the aminosilicone emulsion. The oxidation action of iron–carbon micro‐electrolysis was proven and the aminosilicone emulsion's COD removal contribution was approximately 16%. Aminosilicone polymers were adsorbed on the surface of activated carbons and iron chips, which contributes to the decline of COD removal efficiency and limits the contribution of oxidation action.
Job Applicants' Use of Online Job Banks: The Impact of Transaction Cost Factors and Psychological Variables
Authors: Hsieh Chia-Hung , Cheng Chia-Yi , Wu Shu-Chen
Published: March 2013

In this study, we investigated the effects of transaction cost factors and psychological variables on job seekers' use of online job banks. Participants were 366 job applicants in Taiwan. The research results showed that information completeness, trust, and the asset specificity of
online job banks had a significantly positive effect on job applicants' attitudes toward them. Of all the factors at play, asset specificity was found to have the strongest effect on job applicants' attitudes. We conclude that when job applicants establish a strong asset specificity relationship
with online job banks, it enhances their attitude toward future job bank use.
Translation and Validation of a Turkish Version of the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory
Authors: İskifoğlu Gökhan , Ağazade Ali Sidki
Published: March 2013

In this study, we translated into Turkish and carried out a validation process of the California Critical Thinking Disposition Inventory (CCTDI; Facione, 1990), a multidimensional inventory of students' evaluation of critical thinking dispositions. The goals were to translate the CCTDI
into Turkish, assess the psychometric properties, and examine the factorial validity of the hypothesized 7-factor model through confirmatory factor analysis, with a view to using this instrument for assessment in teacher education programs in Turkey. Based on data from 583 Turkish university
students, the translated Turkish version of the CCTDI displayed positive psychometric properties, thus supporting the applicability of the CCTDI in the Turkish educational context. However, analysis of the factorial structure produced a poor fit of the hypothesized multidimensional model of
the CCTDI to the observed data. The results of further analysis, based on the modification indices, provided support for the use, for cross-cultural comparison, of a 4-factor model with a reduced number of items.
Social Skills, Life Satisfaction, and Loneliness in Turkish University Students
Authors: Ozben Suheda
Published: March 2013

My aim in this study was to investigate the social skills, life satisfaction, and loneliness levels of a sample of 525 Turkish university students. Participants completed the UCLA Loneliness Scale, Satisfaction with Life Scale, Social Skills Inventory, and a personal information form.
Independent samples t test, correlation analysis, and multiple linear regression analysis were employed for data analysis. The social skills and life satisfaction levels of female students were found to be significantly higher than those of male students. Loneliness levels of male students
were found to be significantly higher than those of female students; social skills and life satisfaction were negatively correlated with loneliness; and social skills were positively correlated with life satisfaction. Life satisfaction and social skills negatively predicted university students'
loneliness.
The Power of Affect and Cognition in Predicting Group Attitudes Toward Supervisors
Authors: Zhou Jie
Published: March 2013

I collected group-level data in a laboratory experiment, and explored the roles of affect and cognition in predicting supervised groups' attitudes toward direct and indirect supervisors. Results suggest that both affect and cognition were significant predictors for the 2 target attitudes.
Cognition exerted a stronger influence than affect on attitudes toward direct supervisors, whereas affect predicted attitudes toward indirect supervisors more strongly than cognition, despite the nonsignificant predictive difference. I also suggest how to improve supervised groups' attitudes
toward supervisors through affective and cognitive interventions.
Personality Implications of Adaption-Innovation: VI. Adaption-innovation As a Predictor of Disease Proneness
Authors: Skinner Nicholas , Fox-Francoeur Courtney
Published: March 2013

There is a substantial phenotypic similarity between (a) the cancer-prone personality and the adaptor, and (b) the coronary heart disease-prone individual and the innovator. We investigated the potential relationship between cognitive style and the occurrence of these diseases. A total
of 75 undergraduate students completed the Kirton Adaption-Innovation Inventory (KAI; Kirton, 1976), a measure of cognitive style, and the Health Personality Test (HPT), a measure of proneness to cancer and coronary heart disease. The hypothesis that cancer proneness would be related to adaption
and coronary heart disease proneness would be related to innovation was supported. This suggests that the KAI could potentially be used for the prospective identification of disease-susceptible individuals.
Perceived Risk and Organizational Commitment: The Moderating Role of Organizational Trust
Authors: Liu Xiao-Ping , Wang Zhong-Ming
Published: March 2013

Perceived risk in employment and organizational trust were integrated into the development of organizational commitment, based on key factors in the social exchange process. The results show that perceived risk in employment correlated negatively with organizational trust and organizational
commitment, and that organizational trust correlated positively with organizational commitment. Moreover, organizational trust acted as a partial mediator between perceived risk in employment and organizational commitment.
Teacher Self-Efficacy and Teaching Practices in the Health and Physical Education Curriculum in Taiwan
Authors: Pan Yi-Hsiang , Chou Hung-Shih , Hsu Wei-Ting , Li Chiung-Huang , Hu Yuh-Lin
Published: March 2013

The purpose in this study was to confirm the relationship between teacher self-efficacy and teaching practices in the health and physical education (HPE) curriculum in Taiwan. We used stratified random sampling and cluster sampling methods to select 842 HPE teachers from elementary
schools in Taiwan. They completed the Teacher Self-Efficacy Scale in HPE and the Teaching Practice Scale in HPE (Pan, 2006, 2007). Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the suitability of the hypothetical model. Results indicated that the model had acceptable goodness-of-fit and
it was concluded that teachers' self-efficacy has a positive effect on teaching practices in HPE.
The Effect of Kindergarten Principals' Leadership Behaviors on Teacher Work Performance
Authors: Cheng Jao-Nan
Published: March 2013

In this study 732 Taiwanese kindergarten teachers, divided into 4 regional areas: northern, central, southern, and eastern, completed a questionnaire about their work performance and how it is affected by principals' leadership behaviors. Regression and structural equation modeling
analysis showed that the use of empathetic concern by kindergarten principals had a positive effect on teachers' work performance. Although assertive orders were found to have a positive influence, the correlation with work performance was lower than that with empathetic concern. Rewards and
punishments had no significant effect on improving teachers' work performance. Emotion-based leadership in the form of showing empathetic concern could be used to improve kindergarten teachers' work performance.
Predictors of Unemployment in Refugees
Authors: Renner Walter , Senft Birgit
Published: March 2013

Refugees have an increased risk of unemployment. We initially examined 83 unemployed refugees in Austria (mean age 34.01 years, s = 10.04), 42 of whom attended vocational training courses and 41 of whom did not. At the time of assessment some months later, 37 participants (44.6%)
were employed and 46 (55.4%) were unemployed. We used sociodemographic variables as well as collectivistic values, clinical symptoms, command of the German language, perceived social support, and self-efficacy as possible predictors of unemployment. Logistic regression revealed that attending
a training course, previous work experience, and a shorter time in Austria increased chances of employment. The logistic regression model we presented will enable practitioners to predict chances of employment in individual cases and to tailor refugees' vocational rehabilitation to their personal
needs. The results suggest that vocational rehabilitation for refugees should be provided as soon as possible after asylum has been granted.
Emotional Intelligence Functions of Turkish Proverbs
Authors: Karadağ Özay
Published: March 2013

As widespread products of folk culture, proverbs help people realize and interpret both their own and others' emotions. In this sense, they guide how people transform acquired knowledge into behavior. This function of proverbs is explained in terms of emotional intelligence. Turkish
proverbs appear to be an extremely rich source in this respect. I therefore examined them using Goleman's (1995) model of emotional intelligence. Data were collected using two Turkish dictionaries and the findings were analyzed using semantic content analysis. I explored whether or not and
how proverbs improve the mental abilities that form emotional intelligence. The effects of the emotional functions of Turkish proverbs on personal and social life are discussed.
The Antecedents and Consequences of Blogging Behavior
Authors: Chiang I-Ping , Chiang Yi-Hsuan , Lin Yu-Chi
Published: March 2013

The rapid growth of weblog (blog) services has induced Internet users to share their feelings and information via blogs. Few researchers are currently investigating why people blog. In this study, we explored the antecedents and consequences of blogging behaviors. We collected 613 valid
responses to an online survey from blog users. Factor analysis was conducted to confirm 3 antecedents of using blogs as social motivations, goal orientation, and entertainment orientation. We identified 3 key blogging behaviors of basic journaling, more advanced publishing, and interactive
feedback. Social and information return were identified as the 2 major effects of blogging behaviors. The results of structural equation modeling showed that social motivations and entertainment orientation had significant impacts on all 3 blogging behaviors and goal orientation positively
influenced advanced publishing and interactive feedback. Implications and limitations are discussed.
Effects of Intentional Suppression of Recall of Unwanted Images in Repressors and Nonrepressors
Authors: Kim Deok-Yong , Oh Dong Hoon , Kim Seok Hyeon , Sim Kwee-Bo , Lee Jang-Han
Published: March 2013

We investigated the ability to suppress recall of visual images, using the think/no-think (TNT) paradigm. Participants were 27 male undergraduates (13 repressors, 14 nonrepressors) who watched video clips of a motorbike accident as we recorded their galvanic skin response (GSR). We
then conducted the TNT paradigm using motorbike accident images. Both repressors and nonrepressors recorded higher GSR when watching the video clips than at baseline. Both groups showed greater suppression of imaginary memories in the no-think condition than they did in either the think or
the baseline conditions. We found repeated attempts at no-think might be an effective strategy for suppressing imaginary memories and that there were no differences in the ability of repressors and nonrepressors to suppress memory in the imaginary memory condition.
Impact of Extraversion and Sensation Seeking on International Tourism Choices
Authors: Li Cheng-Yu , Tsai Bi-Kun
Published: March 2013

Tourism is a leisure-related social activity. People always choose their desired tourism destinations and types according to their interests, intentions, and preferences. This means that personality influences tourism consumers' behavior. We examined the impact of extraversion and sensation
seeking on international tourism choices, based on data obtained from a large-scale survey of Taiwanese nationals aged 20 years and older. The results of our analysis confirmed the research hypotheses, that when compared to people with no international tourism experience, those with international
tourism experience tend to have higher levels of extraversion and sensation seeking.
Stereotypes of Deceptive Behaviors: a Cross-cultural Study Between China and Japan
Authors: Yeh Linus Chieh-Yu , Xi Liu , Jianxin Zhang
Published: March 2013

We replicated and confirmed the results of the deception beliefs research conducted by The Global Deception Research Team (GDRT; 2006). We compared the deception stereotype and the perceiver cues of deception detection of people in the Chinese and Japanese cultures. Our results show
that stereotypes of deceptive behaviors exist in both cultures with cross-cultural consistency. However, we also found that the deception stereotype was significantly different in these two cultures and was also different according to gender. Our findings support and validate the GDRT's findings
with a deeper and more detailed analysis.
Is Any Explanation Better Than No Explanation? Intolerance of Uncertainty and Paranormal Beliefs
Authors: Hart Jason W. , Sullivan-Sanchez Candice , Packer Tessa , Loveless Jessica
Published: March 2013

Conditions of uncertainty and anxiety are thought to provide fertile ground for paranormal beliefs to take root and flourish (Shermer, 2011). Few researchers have examined the condition of uncertainty, and, specifically, the relationship between intolerance of uncertainty and paranormal
beliefs. The purpose in this study was to address this notable omission in the literature. The Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale (IUS; Freeston, Rhéaume, Letarte, Dugas, & Ladouceur, 1994) was used to measure the degree to which a person tolerates uncertainty. The Paranormal Belief
Scale (PBS; Tobacyk & Milford, 1983) was used to measure a person's tendency to hold paranormal beliefs. Three hypotheses were proposed: Hypothesis 1: There will be a positive correlation between scores on the IUS and the PBS. Hypothesis 2: There will
be a positive correlation between IUS scores and traditional religious beliefs (PBS, subscale one). Hypothesis 3: There will be a positive correlation between IUS scores and precognition (PBS, subscale seven). Participants (N = 183; 103 women and 80 men) were recruited
from introductory psychology courses at a medium-sized liberal arts university in the USA. Participants completed a packet of self-report measures, including the IUS (α = .872) and the PBS (α = .88). As we predicted, a simple correlation analysis revealed that IUS composite
scores did correlate with PBS scores (H1: r = .15, p < .05). Additional simple correlations were performed between the IUS and the seven subscales of the PBS. These analyses failed to reveal the predicted relationship between IUS and traditional religious beliefs (PBS, subscale
one; H2: r = .07, p > .05), but did reveal the predicted relationship between IUS and precognition (PBS, subscale 7; H3: r = .22, p < .01). The results suggest that intolerance of uncertainty appears to be associated with paranormal beliefs in general
and beliefs in precognition more specifically. Future researchers should address the limitations in this study by drawing participants from different populations (e. g., noncollege-aged individuals) and through the use of experimental designs that might shed light on a possible causal relationship
between the constructs. Nevertheless, the results of this study represent an important first step in this process by finding that people high in intolerance of uncertainty may gravitate toward paranormal explanations of events, as any explanation may be better than no explanation.
Boundary regularity of flows under perfect slip boundary conditions
Authors: Kaplický Petr , Tichý Jakub
Published: April 2013

We investigate boundary regularity of solutions of generalized Stokes equations. The problem is complemented with perfect slip boundary conditions and we assume that the nonlinear elliptic operator satisfies non-standard ϕ-growth conditions. We show the existence of second derivatives of velocity and their optimal regularity.
Performance and power analysis for high performance computation benchmarks
Authors: Issa Joseph
Published: April 2013

Performance and power consumption analysis and characterization for computational benchmarks is important for processor designers and benchmark developers. In this paper, we characterize and analyze different High Performance Computing workloads. We analyze benchmarks characteristics and behavior on various processors and propose a performance estimation analytical model to predict performance for different processor microarchitecture parameters. Performance model is verified to predict performance within <5% error margin between estimated and measured data for different processors. We also propose a power estimation analytical model to estimate power consumption with low error deviation.