bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Objectives of Private Bus Operators in Evaluating Transit Investments in Developing Countries
Authors: Dodero Abel Lopez , Casello Jeffrey M. , Molinero Angel R. Molinero
Published: December 2011

This paper discusses appropriate evaluation techniques for assessing transit proposals in developing countries. With the shift of ownership models in past decades from fully public to fully private and eventually to consolidated franchising models, successful transit projects require the analysis of several indirect costs associated with changing ownership. These indirect costs include (a) the potential loss of personal income for local bus operators if the new investment precludes their continued operation, (b) negative personal impacts on self-worth and changing business dynamics, and (c) long-term impacts on the ability of the government to implement future projects as a result of obstacles that may result from the first two costs. In the proposed methodology these costs are explicitly considered in the evaluation process. The way that various ownership models in current use influence—either positively or negatively—such indirect costs is assessed. The paper concludes that full involvement of local bus operators typically minimizes these indirect costs but may be difficult to achieve, depending on the number and characteristics of the operators in the corridor for which the development is proposed. The paper presents a detailed assessment of the conditions under which full involvement is possible and suggests alternative techniques to advance the idea of local operator involvement.
Normalized Volume Measurement for Nonmotorized Traffic Flow Mixed with Mopeds
Authors: Chen Xiaohong , Han Hui , Ye Jianhong , Ma Shijiang , Xu Yilun
Published: December 2011

Mopeds, experiencing faster growth of use than bicycles, have been swarming urban streets in China in recent years. The mixture of mopeds and bicycles in the same road space has led to great change in the composition and the traffic flow characteristics of nonmotorized traffic. It is impractical to measure the nonmotorized traffic flow by simply aggregating the vehicle counts of mopeds and bicycles because of their distinct temporal–spatial traffic features. This paper proposes a methodology to measure the normalized volume of a nonmotorized traffic mix of mopeds and bicycles. A bicycle equivalent (BE) concept is introduced to measure the moped in equivalent bicycle units and then to normalize the traffic flow mix. Two BE analysis methods that express the relationship between speeds, densities, and occupied spaces for mopeds and bicycles have been developed. A case study estimates the BE from these methods by using field data collected at a midblock section of an arterial in Shanghai. Statistical analysis of observed data shows that the estimated equivalent unit of moped to bicycle is variable under different traffic conditions. Specifically, the equivalent value of moped to bicycle is less than one under lower-density conditions. The value is, however, more than one under higher-density conditions. These findings are valuable to support the measurement of a nonmotorized traffic mix of mopeds and bicycles.
Same-Day Mode Choice Modeling with Household Vehicle Usage Simulation in Developing Countries
Authors: Wan Xia , Zhang Yi , Jin Peter J. , Ran Bin , Wang Wei , Chen Jun
Published: December 2011

This paper presents a model of same-day mode choice at the household level for developing countries. A rule-based algorithm combining classical random utility maximization theory within a microsimulation framework is used. Modeling of private vehicle usage (including vehicle allocation and sharing use in household) is an essential component of this model because vehicle deficiency is common in developing countries. This model consists of four steps: (a) the allocation of private vehicles (car, motorcycle, and bicycle) in a household, (b) the mode choice of private vehicle users specified in the first step, (c) vehicle sharing in a household, and (d) the mode choice of individuals who do not use private vehicles. The adaptability of the model was improved by simulations on car, motorcycle, and bicycle usage. Discrepancies in the mode choice behavior of household members with and without the use of private vehicles are captured in this paper through different modeling methods. The rule-based algorithm, binary logit model, multinomial logit model, and mixed logit model were applied together in this four-step model. Travel diary survey data from 2007 from Bengbu, China, were used as an example for the validation test of this model. The results demonstrate that this model can accurately predict the mode choice of all household members in an internally self-consistent and theoretically credible manner for a midsize city in China. The proposed model is highly conducive to travel demand forecasting and transportation policy making.
Methodological Issues in Developing Mode Choice Models for Dhaka, Bangladesh
Authors: Enam Annesha , Choudhury Charisma F.
Published: December 2011

This paper presents issues and challenges associated with development of a comprehensive mode choice model for Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh and the 11th largest city in the world. As in most other developing countries, reliable level-of-service data are not available for the wide variety of motorized and nonmotorized modes used by travelers in Bangladesh. In addition, the 12 million inhabitants of Dhaka have wide differences in affordability of and accessibility to various modes. These differences result in substantial heterogeneity in inhabitants' choice sets. These choice sets are also unobserved in the data and not easily inferable from the limited information of the network. This paper identifies key limitations of the available data and proposes methods to overcome those limitations. A probabilistic choice set of modes from a small-scale stated preference survey has been used to account for the absence of actual choice set data. The systematic and stochastic errors in the network-derived time data are explicitly accounted for in the model structure. The improvements from the proposed approaches are demonstrated by prediction tests using holdout samples. The proposed approaches have immense potential to improve travel mode choice models for other cities of Bangladesh, as well as cities in other developing countries, which very often face similar data issues.
Age and Gender Differences in Overtaking Maneuvers on Two-Lane Rural Highways
Authors: Farah Haneen
Published: December 2011

For decades researchers have been pointing out significant differences in the driving behavior between young and old and between male and female drivers. There are many studies concerning age and gender differences in risk perception, traffic accident involvement, traffic violations, alcohol consumption, and risky driving. However, little effort has been focused on studying the behavioral differences in overtaking maneuvers on two-lane highways. A considerable percentage of the fatal accidents on two-lane highways is directly related to overtaking maneuvers. Therefore, the main focus of this study is to understand better the overtaking behavior of different drivers classified by their age and gender. Data on the overtaking behavior of 100 drivers were collected with an interactive driving simulator. Several scenarios of two-lane rural highways with different geometric and traffic conditions were developed. The results show interesting and significant differences in the overtaking behavior of drivers depending on their age and gender. These differences are mainly in the frequency of overtaking maneuvers, overtaking time duration, following distances, critical overtaking gaps, and desired driving speeds. Geometric and traffic conditions were also found to have a significant impact on drivers’ overtaking behavior. The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of the overtaking behavior of different groups of drivers and thus have implications for road safety intervention programs and the development of effective risk reduction strategies adapted and targeted for different age and gender groups.
Auditory Detectability of Hybrid Electric Vehicles by Blind Pedestrians
Authors: Garay-Vega Lisandra , Pollard John K. , Guthy Catherine , Hastings Aaron
Published: December 2011

Hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs) in low-speed operation may introduce a safety issue for pedestrians. This study compares the auditory detectability of HEVs and internal combustion engine vehicles among pedestrians who are legally blind. Independent travelers, with self-reported normal hearing, listened to binaural audio recordings of two HEVs and two internal combustion engine vehicles in three operating conditions and two different ambient sound levels. The operating conditions include approaching at a constant speed (6 mph), backing out at 5 mph, and slowing from 20 to 10 mph (as if to turn right). The ambient sound levels simulated a quiet rural [31.2 dB(A)] environment and a moderately noisy suburban [49.8 dB(A)] environment. Overall, participants took longer to detect HEVs (operated in electric mode). Vehicle type, ambient level, and operating condition had a significant effect on response time. Candidate countermeasures are discussed in terms of types of information provided (direction, rate of speed change), useful range of detection of vehicles by pedestrians, warning time, acceptability, and barriers to implementation.
Genetic and Seed Treatment Effects in Organic Peanut
Authors: Cantonwine E.G. , Holbrook C.C. , Culbreath A.K. , Tubbs R.S. , Boudreau M.A.
Published: December 2011

Stand establishment has been a challenge for organic peanut production in the Southeastern United States. Field experiments were conducted in 2007 and 2009 in research plots certified for organic production to evaluate the potential of genotype selection, shelling procedure, and seed treatment with Bacillus subtilis to improve stand establishment and seedling emergence rates, reduce incidence of Aspergillus crown rot, and increase seedling biomass. Seed of 15 peanut genotypes were mechanically shelled or hand-shelled, and treated with B. subtilis or untreated prior to planting in early June. Percent stand was estimated for each plot 17–21 days after planting (DAP), and percent seedlings affected by Aspergillus crown rot and plant biomass were estimated 21–24 DAP. Seed treatment significantly affected stand establishment for three genotypes each year, Georgia-01R both years, C-99R and Tifguard in 2007, and C34-24-69 and C724-19-25 in 2009. In all of these cases, the hand-shelled plots had significantly greater stands than the mechanically shelled plots for untreated and/or B. subtilis treated seed. B. subtilis treatment improved stands for two of the mechanically shelled treatments that significantly responded to hand shelling. Despite low incidence, there was a significant reduction of crown rot in the hand-shelled plots compared to the mechanically shelled plots across years and genotypes. The cultivar Georganic, which has been planted to organic peanut systems in Georgia in recent years, was among the genotypes with the lowest seedling establishment rates and biomass. Based on these results, it is recommended that sorting thresholds for damaged seed be higher for seed destined for organic production, and that breeding efforts that include assessments of factors involved in seedling establishment and growth be prioritized.
Growth And Yield Components Of Wheat Under Water Stress Of Different Growth Stages
Authors: Akram M
Published: December 2011

A field experiment was conducted to determine the sensitivity of wheat to water stress and changes in water relations and yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) under water stress conditions applied at different growth stages. The experiment comprised of two wheat cultivars and four water stress treatments, maintained by withholding water at tillering, anthesis, and at both stages. Water stress caused reduction in leaf relative water contents, water potential, osmotic potential, turgor potential, growth and yield components of both the wheat cultivars. The results indicated that high value of relative water contents were associated with increased yield and yield components. Consecutive stresses at both growth stages caused severe reduction in yield and yield components in both cultivars of wheat. Keywords: Water stress; water relations; growth; Triticum aestivum; yield components. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v36i3.9264 BJAR 2011; 36(3): 455-468
Effect Of High Temperature On Yield Attributing Traits In Bread Wheat
Authors: Singh Khajan , Sharma SN , Sharma Yogendra
Published: December 2011

High temperature stress is major constraint to bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L. Em. Thell) production. Generation of information on the effect of high temperature stress on various traits may be helpful for developing thermotolerance bread wheat variety. An experiment was conducted on a set of 10 diverse genotypes, their 45 F1s and F2s for identification of high temperature stress genotype. The experiment was conducted under normal and late sown condition. The parent HD 2851, P8W 520, and HS 448, and the crosses HS 448 × PBW 520, UP 2614 × K 209 and PBW 520 × HD 2851 for grain yield per plant were least affected under late sown conditions. Heat stress intensity (Dvalue) clearly indicated that grain yield per pant biological yield per plant and grain yield per spike suffered revively under late sown conditions. Keywords: Bread wheat; heat susceptibility index; tolerant genotypes. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v36i3.9270 BJAR 2011; 36(3): 415-426
Response Of Maize Varieties To Zinc Fertilization
Authors: Hossain MA , Jahiruddin M , Khatun F
Published: December 2011

Eight maize varieties viz. four composites (Mohor, Barnali, Khoibhutta, and BARI Maize-6) and four hybrids (BARI Hybrid Maize-1, BARI Hybrid Maize- 3, BARI Hybrid Maize Top 1 & Pacific 984), were tested for their response to zinc fertilization (0 and 3 kg Zn/ha) at the Regional Agricultural Research Station (RARS), Jessore (AEZ-11, High Ganges River Floodplain) during 2002- 2005. The varieties were not equally responsive to Zn addition. Except BARI Hybrid Maize-3, all other hybrids showed higher response to Zn compared to composite varieties. Among the hybrids, the Pacific 984 had the highest response followed by BARI Hybrid Maize-1 and BARI Hybrid Maize Top 1, the later two showed identical response. Comparing the composite varieties, their response can be ranked as Barnali ≈ Mohor > Khoibhutta > BARI Maize-6. The result suggests that BARI Hybrid Maize-3 and BARI Maize-6 were the most Zn inresponsive (Zn efficient) varieties. Further it appeared that Pacific 984 gave the highest seed yield, 10.46 t/ha due to Zn application. So, the farmers can grow this variety with an application of Zn @ 3 kg/ha in the deficient soil. The results also indicate that the farmers can cultivate BARI Hybrid Maize-3 in the moderately zinc deficient soils with a minimum dose (1 to 2 kg/ha) of Zn fertilization. Keywords: Maize varieties; zinc fertilization. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v36i3.9272 BJAR 2011; 36(3): 437-447
Effect Of Plant Spacings On The Performance Of Hybrid Cabbage (Brassica Oleracea Var. Capitata) Varieties
Authors: Moniruzzaman M
Published: December 2011

A field experiment on cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata) comprising two plant spacings viz. 60 × 40 cm and 60 × 45 cm and ten hybrid cabbage varieties viz. Green Rich, Green-621, Green Coronet, Summer Warrior, Rare Ball, Atlas- 70, Southern treasure, Laurels, K-K Cross and K-S Cross was conducted during 15 October to 12 February of 2005-07 at the Agricultural Research Station, Raikhali, Rangamati Hill District to find out the optimum plant spacing and suitable cabbage variety(s). The wider spacing of 60 × 45 cm resulted in significantly maximum number of folded leaves and head weight (without unfolded leaves) in comparison to closer spacing of 60 × 30 cm. The variety Green Coronet showed the highest plant height, number of unfolded leaves, length of the biggest loose leaf, widest leaf, head height, and head weight (with unfolded leaves).This variety took the highest duration (119 days), while Green- 621 took the lowest duration for harvest (105 days). Although Green Coronet grew vigorously, it did not produce the highest head yield. All the varieties had good head compactness except Laurels and Green Coronet which had medium and less compactness, respectively. The combination of 60 × 30 cm spacing with variety Southern Treasure and K-S cross produced the highest head diameter, but wider spacing of 60 × 45 cm accompanied by Southern Treasure produced the highest head weight without unfolded leaves followed by K- K Cross in both the years. The pooled analysis showed the highest marketable head yield (73.32 t/ha) in the combination of 60 x 40 cm spacing with K- K Cross, which was closely followed by Southern Treasure (71.71 t/ha) and Laurels (71.56 t/ha). The variety Green-621 was found suitable for early harvest with reasonable yield (67.82 t/ha). Keywords: Cabbage; Brassica oleracea var. Capitata; hybrid variety; spacing; head yield; Rangamati. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/bjar.v36i3.9277 BJAR 2011; 36(3): 495-506
Comparison of the Fecal Microbiota in Feral and Domestic Goats
Authors: De Jesús-Laboy Kassandra M. , Godoy-Vitorino Filipa , Piceno Yvette M. , Tom Lauren M. , Pantoja-Feliciano Ida G. , Rivera-Rivera Michelle J. , Andersen Gary L. , Domínguez-Bello María G.
Published: December 2011

Animals have co-evolved with mutualistic microbial communities, known as the microbiota, which are essential for organ development and function. We hypothesize that modern animal husbandry practices exert an impact on the intestinal microbiota. In this study, we compared the structure of the fecal microbiota between feral and domestic goats using the G2 PhyloChip and assessed the presence of five tetracycline resistance genes [tet(M), tet(S), tet(O), tet(Q) and tet(W)] by PCR. Feces were collected from 10 goats: 5 domestic from a farm in the main island of Puerto Rico and 5 feral from the remote dry island of Mona. There were 42 bacterial phyla from 153 families detected in the goats’ feces. A total of 84 PhyloChip-OTUs were different in the fecal microbiota of feral and domestic goat. Both feral and domestic goats carried antibiotic resistance genes tet(O) and tet(W), but domestic goats additionally carried tet(Q). Diet, host genetics and antibiotic exposure are likely determinant factors in shaping the intestinal microbiota and may explain the differences observed between feral and domestic goats fecal microbiota.
Combined cetuximab and volumetric modulated arc-radiotherapy in advanced recurrent squamous cell carcinoma of the scalp
Authors: Wollina Uwe , Schreiber Andreas , Merla Knut , Haroske Gunter
Published: December 2011

A 77-year-old male patient presented with an ulcerated exophytic tumor (T2, N0, M0) with three macroscopically visible satellite metastases in the right temporo-occipital region. Mohs surgery could not control the disease due to lymphangiosis carcinomatosa and perineural infiltration, and recurrence of satellite skin metastases. Re-staging demonstrated a T2, N1, M0 profile (stage III, AJCC). Chemotherapy was limited by the patient’s co-morbidities. Therefore, we used targeted therapy with monoclonal anti-epidermal growth factor receptor antibody cetuximab in combination with volumetric modulated arc- radiotherapy (VMAT). Cetuximab was well tolerated except for the loading dose when the patient developed fever chills. To verify the correct application of VMAT, it was applied to a 3-dimensional measuring phantom prior to the patient’s first treatment session. To minimize these tolerances, patient set-up was checked and corrected by orthogonal fluoroscopic images recorded daily by the on-board imager used in our Varian accelerator. The average daily beam time was 6 min (6 arcs, 767 monitor units); the total treatment time including patient set-up and set-up correction was less than 20 min. Combined therapy was well tolerated and complete remission was achieved.
Parkinson’s disease: an inquiry into the etiology and treatment
Authors: Jannetta Peter J , Whiting Donald M. , Fletcher Lynn H , Hobbs Joseph K , Brillman Jon , Quigley Matthew , Fukui Melanie , Williams Robert
Published: December 2011

Parkinson’s disease affects over one million people in the United States. Although there have been remarkable advances in uncovering the pathogenesis of this disabling disorder, the etiology is speculative. Medical treatment and operative procedures provide symptomatic relief only. Compression of the cerebral peduncle of the midbrain by the posterior cerebral artery in a patient with Parkinson’s Disease (Parkinson’s Disease) was noted on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and at operation in a patient with trigeminal neuralgia. Following the vascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve, the midbrain was decompressed by mobilizing and repositioning the posterior cerebral artery The patient's Parkinson's signs disappeared over a 48-hour period. They returned 18 months later with contralateral peduncle compression. A blinded evaluation of MRI scans of Parkinson's patients and controls was performed. MRI scans in 20 Parkinson's patients and 20 age and sex matched controls were evaluated in blinded fashion looking for the presence and degree of arterial compression of the cerebral peduncle. The MRI study showed that 73.7 percent of Parkinson's Disease patients had visible arterial compression of the cerebral peduncle. This was seen in only 10 percent of control patients (two patients, one of whom subsequently developed Parkinson’s Disease); thus 5 percent. Vascular compression of the cerebral peduncle by the posterior cerebral artery may be associated with Parkinson’s Disease in some patients. Microva­scular decompression of that artery away from the peduncle may be considered for treatment of Parkinson’s Disease in some patients.
Prevalence of Hyperhomocysteinemia in Hemodialysis Patients in the United Arab Emirates, a One Center Experience, Correlation with Diabetes Mellitus, Folate, and Dialysis Modality
Authors: Bernieh Bassam , Abouchacra Samra , Hussain Qutaiba , Al Omary Hanan , Boobes Yousef , Al Hakim Mohammad R. , Abayechi Faiz
Published: December 2011

Hyperhomocysteinemia is a non-traditional independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It is highly prevalent in Western dialysis patients, while its prevalence in the Middle East is unknown. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of hyperhomocys-teinemia among our hemodialysis (HD) patients, and to identify correlations between homocysteine and diabetes mellitus (DM), folic acid, and dialysis modality. Homocysteine and folate levels were measured in 83 stable HD patients: 52 males, mean age 56.4±17.6 years, 58% were diabetic, 61% were treated by traditional HD, and 39% treated by online hemodiafiltration (HDF). Of the studied patients, 99% have abnormal homocysteine with a mean level of 27±10.8 mmol/L. The homocysteine level in diabetics and non-diabetics was 28.7±11.3 and 25.5±9.7, respectively (P=0.17); the level in HDF and HD patients was 29.7±10.5 and 25.8±10.5, respectively (P=0.1). In summary, hyperhomocysteinemia is highly prevalent in our HD population.
The Coagulopathy in Sepsis: Significance and Implications for Treatment
Authors: Saracco Paola , Vitale Pasquale , Scolfaro Carlo , Pollio Berardino , Pagliarino Mauro , Timeus Fabio
Published: December 2011

Sepsis related coagulopathy ranges from mild laboratory alterations up to severe disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). There is evidence that DIC is involved in the pathogenesis of microvascular dysfunction contributing to organ failure. Additionally, the systemic activation of coagulation, by consuming platelets and coagulation factors, may cause bleeding. Thrombin generation via the tissue factor/factor VIIa route, contemporary depression of antithrombin and protein C anticoagulant system, as well as impaired fibrin degradation, due to high circulating levels of PAI-1, contribute to enhanced intravascular fibrin deposition. This deranged coagulopathy is an independent predictor of clinical outcome in patients with severe sepsis. Innovative supportive strategies aiming at the inhibition of coagulation activation comprise inhibition of tissue factor-mediated activation or restoration of physiological anticoagulant pathways, as the administration of recombinant human activated protein C or concentrate. In spite of some promising initial studies, additional trials are needed to define their clinical effectiveness in adults and children with severe sepsis.
Metastasis of a pleural mesothelioma to a hyperplastic stomach polyp: an increase of vimentin expression is seen during a gain in deciduoid morphology
Authors: Soltermann Alex , Pache Jean-Claude , Vogt Peter
Published: December 2011

Deciduoid mesothelioma is a rare variant of the epithelioid histotype spectrum, resembling decidua of gravid uterus. It is found in the peritoneum of young women, but also in the pleura of elderly people. Histotype plasticity from epithelioid to sarcomatoid mesothelioma may be considered as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). A full autopsy was performed and mesothelioma infiltrates were analysed by immunohistochemistry. The metastasis of an epithelioid pleural mesothelioma to a hyperplastic polyp of the stomach is presented in this autopsy case. Deciduoid morphology increased during tumour progression and metastasis. The increase in eosinophilic cytoplasm correlated with the upregulation of the intermediate filament vimentin. High expression of vimentin was found in both central and superficial periglandular regions of the polyp. High vimentin expression also can occur in epithelioid rather than sarcomatoid differentiation. Thus, although vimentin is considered to be the major EMT marker, additional pathways must regulate its expression.
EvoluCode: Evolutionary Barcodes as a Unifying Framework for Multilevel Evolutionary Data
Authors: Linard Benjamin , Nguyen Ngoc Hoan , Prosdocimi Francisco , Poch Olivier , Thompson Julie D.
Published: December 2011

Evolutionary systems biology aims to uncover the general trends and principles governing the evolution of biological networks. An essential part of this process is the reconstruction and analysis of the evolutionary histories of these complex, dynamic networks. Unfortunately, the methodologies for representing and exploiting such complex evolutionary histories in large scale studies are currently limited. Here, we propose a new formalism, called EvoluCode (Evolutionary barCode), which allows the integration of different evolutionary parameters (eg, sequence conservation, orthology, synteny …) in a unifying format and facilitates the multilevel analysis and visualization of complex evolutionary histories at the genome scale. The advantages of the approach are demonstrated by constructing barcodes representing the evolution of the complete human proteome. Two large-scale studies are then described: (i) the mapping and visualization of the barcodes on the human chromosomes and (ii) automatic clustering of the barcodes to highlight protein subsets sharing similar evolutionary histories and their functional analysis. The methodologies developed here open the way to the efficient application of other data mining and knowledge extraction techniques in evolutionary systems biology studies. A database containing all EvoluCode data is available at: http://lbgi.igbmc.fr/barcodes .
Organizational Contraction and Participation in Worksite Weight Control Programs: A Pilot Study
Authors: Serxner Seth
Published: December 2011

The hypothesis that overweight workers are more likely to participate in health promotion activities during times of organizational contraction than during other times was tested in a sample of 408 overweight employees selected from the total employee population at the headquarters facility of Control Data Corporation (CDC) in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Organizational contraction was defined as the average percentage loss of workers in the firm for the three months prior to a program offering. Organizational contraction levels were then compared with participation in weight control programs. The results of the logistic regression analysis support the hypothesis that participation in health promotion activities would be greater during periods of high levels of organizational contraction than during lower levels (1,34, p < .01).
Organizational Factors Affecting Participation in a Smoking Cessation Program and Abstinence among 68 Auto Dealerships
Authors: Emont Seth L. , Cummings K. Michael
Published: December 2011

The effects of organizational factors on participation rates in a smoking cessation clinic and on one-year quit rates were examined among 68 private sector businesses. Free smoking cessation programs were offered to all smoking employees. Smokers (n = 844) were contacted to determine changes in smoking behavior; managers (n = 68) were also contacted to assess changes in smoking policy implementation over the past year.

The participation rate in the clinic was 6.6 percent. Overall, 14.3 percent of smokers reported abstaining from cigarettes for at least one month prior to the one-year follow-up survey.

Organization factors predicting clinic participation included having health promotion programs, increased motivation to stop smoking, and greater length of employment. Factors predicting cessation at one year included greater clinic participation rates, larger worksite size, a greater awareness of smoking restrictions, and agreement that passive smoking was dangerous to ones health. The only factor to significantly increase both participation and cessation rates was the presence of smoking policies. Employee, manager, and organizational characteristics can exert independent effects on behavior. Therefore, interventions should be targeted at each of these levels to maximize smoking-related behavior change.
On the Subject of Sampling …
Authors: Konrad Thomas R. , DeFriese Gordon H.
Published: December 2011

There is probably no subject related to evaluation causing as much confusion and unnecessary anxiety as the matter of sampling. In this article we provide some general guidelines or principles to keep in mind with respect to the number of program participants (or number of program components) to be included in a formal evaluation. We do not provide a description of the methods for the actual selection of a sample, for there are many good descriptions already available in other sources. Our goal here is to provide a very practical way of thinking about sampling as an essential part of program evaluation. Our most important point is that sampling is an essential part of the “science” of program evaluation, but the reasoning underlying the use of sampling is straightforward and should be part of sound program planning and development. Careful thought about these issues at the outset of a project can greatly enhance the generalizability and replicability of project results.
Atmospheric dust modeling from meso to global scales with the online NMMB/BSC-Dust model – Part 1: Model description, annual simulations and evaluation
Authors: Pérez C. , Haustein K. , Janjic Z. , Jorba O. , Huneeus N. , Baldasano J. M. , Black T. , Basart S. , Nickovic S. , Miller R. L. , Perlwitz J. P. , Schulz M. , Thomson M.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. We describe and evaluate the NMMB/BSC-Dust, a new dust aerosol cycle model embedded online within the NCEP Non-hydrostatic Multiscale Model (NMMB). NMMB is a further evolution of the operational Non-hydrostatic Mesoscale Model (WRF-NMM), which together with other upgrades has been extended from meso to global scales. Its unified non-hydrostatic dynamical core is prepared for regional and global simulation domains. The new NMMB/BSC-Dust is intended to provide short to medium-range weather and dust forecasts from regional to global scales and represents a first step towards the development of a unified chemical-weather model. This paper describes the parameterizations used in the model to simulate the dust cycle including sources, transport, deposition and interaction with radiation. We evaluate monthly and annual means of the global configuration of the model against the AEROCOM dust benchmark dataset for year 2000 including surface concentration, deposition and aerosol optical depth (AOD), and we evaluate the daily AOD variability in a regional domain at high resolution covering Northern Africa, Middle East and Europe against AERONET AOD for year 2006. The NMMB/BSC-Dust provides a good description of the horizontal distribution and temporal variability of the dust. Daily AOD correlations at the regional scale are around 0.6–0.7 on average without dust data assimilation. At the global scale the model lies within the top range of AEROCOM dust models in terms of performance statistics for surface concentration, deposition and AOD. This paper discusses the current strengths and limitations of the modeling system and points towards future improvements.
Trends of solar ultraviolet irradiance at Barrow, Alaska, and the effect of measurement uncertainties on trend detection
Authors: Bernhard G.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Spectral ultraviolet (UV) irradiance has been observed near Barrow, Alaska (71° N, 157° W) between 1991 and 2011 with an SUV-100 spectroradiometer. The instrument was historically part of the US National Science Foundation's UV Monitoring Network and is now a component of NSF's Arctic Observing Network. From these measurements, trends in monthly average irradiance and their uncertainties were calculated. The analysis focuses on two quantities, the UV Index (which is affected by atmospheric ozone concentrations) and irradiance at 345 nm (which is virtually insensitive to ozone). Uncertainties of trend estimates depend on variations in the data due to (1) natural variability, (2) systematic and random errors of the measurements, and (3) uncertainties caused by gaps in the time series. Using radiative transfer model calculations, systematic errors of the measurements were detected and corrected. Different correction schemes were tested to quantify the sensitivity of the trend estimates on the treatment of systematic errors. Depending on the correction method, estimates of decadal trends changed between 1.5% and 2.9%. Uncertainties in the trend estimates caused by error sources (2) and (3) were set into relation with the overall uncertainty of the trend determinations. Results show that these error sources are only relevant for February, March, and April when natural variability is low due to high surface albedo. This method of addressing measurement uncertainties in time series analysis is also applicable to other geophysical parameters. Trend estimates varied between −14% and +5% per decade and were significant (95.45% confidence level) only for the month of October. Depending on the correction method, October trends varied between −11.4% and −13.7% for irradiance at 345 nm and between −11.7% and −14.1% for the UV Index. These large trends are consistent with trends in short-wave (0.3–3.0 μm) solar irradiance measured with pyranometers at NOAA's Barrow Observatory and can be explained by a change in snow cover over the observation period: analysis of pyranometer data indicates that the first day of fall when albedo becomes larger than 0.6 after snow fall, and remains above 0.6 for the rest of the winter, has advanced with a statistically significant trend of 13.6 ± 9.7 days per decade.
Particle-reactive radionuclides (234Th, 210Pb, 210) as tracers for the estimation of export production in the South China Sea
Authors: Wei C.-L. , Lin S.-Y. , Sheu D. D.-D. , Chou W.-C. , Yi M.-C. , Santschi P. H. , Wen L.-S.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. The time-series station, SEATS (18° N, 116° E) in the South China Sea was visited six times during October 2006–December 2008 to carry out seawater sampling and floating trap deployments for the determination of distributions and fluxes of POC, PIC, PN, 234Th, 210Pb, and 210Po in the upper 200 m of the water column. Radionuclide deficiencies resulted in removal fluxes from the euphotic layer of 1.1×103–1.8×103 dpm m−2d−1 and 7.1–40.2 dpm m−2d−1 for 234Th and 210Po, respectively. Due to atmospheric input, an excess of 210Pb relative to 226Ra is commonly observed in the upper water column. Sinking fluxes of total mass, POC, PIC, PN, 234Th, 210Pb, and 210Po measured at the euphotic depth were low in summer-fall and high in winter-spring, reflecting the seasonal variability of biological pumping. Excluding the suspiciously low primary productivity data point in July 2007, a relatively high e-ratio of 0.28–0.69 was estimated by the ratio of the POC flux at the euphotic depth and the integrated primary productivity. The ratios of 234Th, 210Pb, and 210Po to organic carbon, inorganic carbon, and nitrogen in the sinking particles were combined with the disequilibria of 234Th–238U, 210Pb–226Ra, and 210Po–210Pb to estimate export fluxes of POC, PIC, and PN from the euphotic layer. Compared with measured fluxes by the sediment trap and estimated fluxes by other approaches, it is concluded that the export production in the South China Sea, ranging from 1.8 to 21.3 mmol-C m−2d−1, can be reasonably estimated using 234Th, 210Pb, and 210Po as carbon proxies.
Effect of fouling on removal of trace organic compounds by nanofiltration
Authors: Hajibabania S. , Verliefde A. , Drewes J. E. , Nghiem L. D. , McDonald J. , Khan S. , Le-Clech P.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. The fate of chemical of concern is not yet fully understood during treatment of impaired waters. The aim of this paper is to assess the impact of different organic-based fouling layers on the removal of a large range of trace organics. Both model and real water samples (mixed with trace organic contaminants at environmental concentration of 2 μg l−1) were used to simulate fouling in nanofiltration under controlled environment. The new and fouled membranes were systematically characterised for surface charge, hydrophobicity and roughness. It was observed that fouling generally reduced the membrane surface charge; however, the alterations of the membrane hydrophobicity and surface roughness were dependent on the foulants composition. The rejection of charged trace organics was observed to be improved due to the increased electrostatic repulsion by fouled membranes and the adsorption of the trace organic chemicals onto organic matters. On the other hand, the removal of nonionic compounds decreased when fouling occurred, due to the presence of cake enhanced concentration polarization. The fouling layer structure was found to play an important role in the rejection of the trace organic compounds.
Assimilation of ASCAT near-surface soil moisture into the SIM hydrological model over France
Authors: Draper C. , Mahfouf J.-F. , Calvet J.-C. , Martin E. , Wagner W.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. This study examines whether the assimilation of remotely sensed near-surface soil moisture observations might benefit an operational hydrological model, specifically Météo-France's SAFRAN-ISBA-MODCOU (SIM) model. Soil moisture data derived from ASCAT backscatter observations are assimilated into SIM using a Simplified Extended Kalman Filter (SEKF) over 3.5 years. The benefit of the assimilation is tested by comparison to a delayed cut-off version of SIM, in which the land surface is forced with more accurate atmospheric analyses, due to the availability of additional atmospheric observations after the near-real time data cut-off. However, comparing the near-real time and delayed cut-off SIM models revealed that the main difference between them is a dry bias in the near-real time precipitation forcing, which resulted in a dry bias in the root-zone soil moisture and associated surface moisture flux forecasts. While assimilating the ASCAT data did reduce the root-zone soil moisture dry bias (by nearly 50%), this was more likely due to a bias within the SEKF, than due to the assimilation having accurately responded to the precipitation errors. Several improvements to the assimilation are identified to address this, and a bias-aware strategy is suggested for explicitly correcting the model bias. However, in this experiment the moisture added by the SEKF was quickly lost from the model surface due to the enhanced surface fluxes (particularly drainage) induced by the wetter soil moisture states. Consequently, by the end of each winter, during which frozen conditions prevent the ASCAT data from being assimilated, the model land surface had returned to its original (dry-biased) climate. This highlights that it would be more effective to address the precipitation bias directly, than to correct it by constraining the model soil moisture through data assimilation.
The history and characteristics of the 1980–2005 Portuguese rural fire database
Authors: Pereira M. G. , Malamud B. D. , Trigo R. M. , Alves P. I.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. We focus here on a mainland Continental Portuguese Rural Fire Database (PRFD) that includes 450 000 fires, the largest such database in Europe in terms of total number of recorded fires in the 1980–2005 period. In this work, we (a) list the most important factors for triggering and controlling the fire regime in mainland Continental Portugal, (b) describe the dataset's production, (c) discuss procedures adopted to identify and correct different fire data inconsistencies, creating a modified PRFD which we use here and make available as Supplement, (d) explore some basic temporal and completeness properties of the data. We find that the dataset's minimum measured burnt areas have changed with time between AF = 0.1 ha (1980–1990), AF = 0.01 ha (1991–1992), and AF = 0.001 ha (1992–2005), with varying degrees of completeness down to these values. These changes in minimum area measured are responsible for greater numbers of fires being recorded. A relatively small number of large fires in the PRFD are responsible for the majority of the burnt area. For example, fires with AF > 100 ha represent about 1% of all fire records but 75% of total burnt area. Finally, we consider for each Continental Portugal district and for the 26-yr period, the total number of rural fires and area burnt in forests and shrublands, each normalized by district areas. We find that the highest numbers of fires per unit area are in highly populated districts, and that the largest fraction of burnt area is in forested areas, coinciding with large parcels of continuous forests (predominantly rural and moderately urban areas).
Estimating insured residential losses from large flood scenarios on the Tone River, Japan – a data integration approach
Authors: Okada T. , McAneney K. J. , Chen K.
Published: December 2011

Abstract. Flooding on the Tone River, which drains the largest catchment area in Japan and is now home to 12 million people, poses significant risk to the Greater Tokyo Area. In April 2010, an expert panel in Japan, the Central Disaster Prevention Council, examined the potential for large-scale flooding and outlined possible mitigation measures in the Greater Tokyo Area. One of the scenarios considered closely mimics the pattern of flooding that occurred with the passage of Typhoon Kathleen in 1947 and would potentially flood some 680 000 households above floor level. Building upon that report, this study presents a Geographical Information System (GIS)-based data integration approach to estimate the insurance losses for residential buildings and contents as just one component of the potential financial cost. Using a range of publicly available data – census information, location reference data, insurance market information and flood water elevation data – this analysis finds that insurance losses for residential property alone could reach approximately 1 trillion JPY (US$ 12.5 billion). Total insurance losses, including commercial and industrial lines of business, are likely to be at least double this figure with total economic costs being much greater again. The results are sensitive to the flood scenario assumed, position of levee failures, local flood depths and extents, population and building heights. The Average Recurrence Interval (ARI) of the rainfall following Typhoon Kathleen has been estimated to be on the order of 200 yr; however, at this juncture it is not possible to put an ARI on the modelled loss since we cannot know the relative or joint probability of the different flooding scenarios. It is possible that more than one of these scenarios could occur simultaneously or that levee failure at one point might lower water levels downstream and avoid a failure at all other points. In addition to insurance applications, spatial analyses like that presented here have implications for emergency management, the cost-benefit of mitigation efforts and land-use planning.
Primary Infundibular Stenosis and Pedigree Analysis in Three Golden Retriever Littermates
Authors: Arndt Jason , Werner Petra , Sleeper Meg
Published: December 2011

Three eight-week-old golden retriever puppy littermates were evaluated because of left basilar systolic murmurs and were diagnosed with primary infundibular stenosis. Pedigree analysis in this line was also performed to identify a mode of inheritance. All dogs were asymptomatic at the time of diagnosis; two of the three had congenital lesions in addition to primary infundibular stenosis. Two additional affected dogs were identified in the line, and pedigree analysis suggested an autosomal recessive mode of inheritance. Another, unrelated golden retriever was also identified with isolated infundibular stenosis in the record database. Primary infundibular stenosis should be considered in the differential diagnoses for golden retriever dogs with a left basilar systolic murmur, and is often associated with complex congenital cardiac disease. Primary infundibular stenosis may worsen in severity with time, and in this line of dogs an autosomal recessive pattern of inheritance is likely.
Acquired Bilateral Laryngeal Paralysis Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in a Dog
Authors: Kvitko-White Heather , Balog Kelley , Scott-Moncrieff J. Catharine , Johnson Anthony , Lantz Gary C.
Published: December 2011

A 4 yr old spayed female Labrador retriever was referred for acute respiratory distress and was found to have bilateral laryngeal paralysis. Physical examination and biochemical testing were consistent with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and did not reveal a likely alternative cause for the laryngeal paralysis. Following immunosuppressive and supportive treatment, the dog regained normal laryngeal function. At a scheduled follow-up examination 6 wk later, normal laryngeal function was confirmed via sedated laryngeal examination. Laryngeal paralysis associated with SLE has been reported in humans, but this is the first known report of acquired laryngeal paralysis associated with SLE in the dog.
Interlaboratory Agreement and Handling Variability for Consistency of Results in Paired Serum Bile Acid Assays
Authors: Nanfelt Michelle , MacPhail Catriona , Kennedy Katie C. , Eickhoff Jens
Published: December 2011

Paired serum bile acid (SBA) samples from 30 dogs with presumptive hepatobiliary disease and 30 apparently healthy dogs were submitted to three diagnostic laboratories to validate agreement between these facilities. Sensitivities and specificities ranged from 50% to 70% and from 74% to 85%, respectively, for all laboratories. The κ index confirmed almost perfect agreement between laboratories. Variation in sample handling and processing by different laboratories should not be considered a primary factor when aberrant SBA values are encountered. Documenting agreement between laboratories is essential as inconsistencies could direct unnecessary medical or surgical intervention when patients are evaluated at different hospitals during the course of their disease.