bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Missed Opportunity for Alcohol Problem Prevention Among Army Active Duty Service Members Postdeployment
Authors: Larson Mary Jo , Mohr Beth A. , Adams Rachel Sayko , Wooten Nikki R. , Williams Thomas V.
Published: June 2014

Objectives. We identified to what extent the Department of Defense postdeployment health surveillance program identifies at-risk drinking, alone or in conjunction with psychological comorbidities, and refers service members who screen positive for additional assessment or care.

Methods. We completed a cross-sectional analysis of 333 803 US Army active duty members returning from Iraq or Afghanistan deployments in fiscal years 2008 to 2011 with a postdeployment health assessment. Alcohol measures included 2 based on self-report quantity-frequency items—at-risk drinking (positive Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test alcohol consumption questions [AUDIT-C] screen) and severe alcohol problems (AUDIT-C score of 8 or higher)—and another based on the interviewing provider’s assessment.

Results. Nearly 29% of US Army active duty members screened positive for at-risk drinking, and 5.6% had an AUDIT-C score of 8 or higher. Interviewing providers identified potential alcohol problems among only 61.8% of those screening positive for at-risk drinking and only 74.9% of those with AUDIT-C scores of 8 or higher. They referred for a follow-up visit to primary care or another setting only 29.2% of at-risk drinkers and only 35.9% of those with AUDIT-C scores of 8 or higher.

Conclusions. This study identified missed opportunities for early intervention for at-risk drinking. Future research should evaluate the effect of early intervention on long-term outcomes.
Effects of the It’s Your Game . . . Keep It Real Program on Dating Violence in Ethnic-Minority Middle School Youths: A Group Randomized Trial
Authors: Peskin Melissa F. , Markham Christine M. , Shegog Ross , Baumler Elizabeth R. , Addy Robert C. , Tortolero Susan R.
Published: June 2014

Objectives. We examined whether It’s Your Game . . . Keep It Real (IYG) reduced dating violence among ethnic-minority middle school youths, a population at high risk for dating violence.

Methods. We analyzed data from 766 predominantly ethnic-minority students from 10 middle schools in southeast Texas in 2004 for a group randomized trial of IYG. We estimated logistic regression models, and the primary outcome was emotional and physical dating violence perpetration and victimization by ninth grade.

Results. Control students had significantly higher odds of physical dating violence victimization (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.52; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.20, 1.92), emotional dating violence victimization (AOR = 1.74; 95% CI = 1.36, 2.24), and emotional dating violence perpetration (AOR = 1.58; 95% CI = 1.11, 2.26) than did intervention students. The odds of physical dating violence perpetration were not significantly different between the 2 groups. Program effects varied by gender and race/ethnicity.

Conclusions. IYG significantly reduced 3 of 4 dating violence outcomes among ethnic-minority middle school youths. Although further study is warranted to determine if IYG should be widely disseminated to prevent dating violence, it is one of only a handful of school-based programs that are effective in reducing adolescent dating violence behavior.
Preconception Stress, Birth Weight, and Birth Weight Disparities Among US Women
Authors: Strutz Kelly L. , Hogan Vijaya K. , Siega-Riz Anna Maria , Suchindran Chirayath M. , Halpern Carolyn Tucker , Hussey Jon M.
Published: June 2014

Objectives. We examined the impact of preconception acute and chronic stressors on offspring birth weight and racial/ethnic birth weight disparities.

Methods. We included birth weights for singleton live first (n = 3512) and second (n = 1901) births to White, Mexican-origin Latina, other-origin Latina, and Black women reported at wave IV of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (2007–2008; ages 24–32 years). We generated factor scores for preconception acute and chronic stressors from wave I (1994–1995; ages 11–19 years) or wave III (2001–2002; ages 18–26 years) for the same cohort of women.

Results. Linear regression models indicated that chronic stressors, but not acute stressors, were inversely associated with birth weight for both first and second births (b = −192; 95% confidence interval = −270, −113; and b = −180; 95% confidence interval = −315, −45, respectively), and partially explained the disparities in birth weight between the minority racial/ethnic groups and Whites.

Conclusions. Preconception chronic stressors contribute to restricted birth weight and to racial/ethnic birth weight disparities.
Changes in Experiences With Discrimination Across Pregnancy and Postpartum: Age Differences and Consequences for Mental Health
Authors: Rosenthal Lisa , Earnshaw Valerie A. , Lewis Tené T. , Reid Allecia E. , Lewis Jessica B. , Stasko Emily C. , Tobin Jonathan N. , Ickovics Jeannette R.
Published: June 2014

Objectives. We aimed to contribute to growing research and theory suggesting the importance of examining patterns of change over time and critical life periods to fully understand the effects of discrimination on health, with a focus on the period of pregnancy and postpartum and mental health outcomes.

Methods. We used hierarchical linear modeling to examine changes across pregnancy and postpartum in everyday discrimination and the resulting consequences for mental health among predominantly Black and Latina, socioeconomically disadvantaged young women who were receiving prenatal care in New York City.

Results. Patterns of change in experiences with discrimination varied according to age. Among the youngest participants, discrimination increased from the second to third trimesters and then decreased to lower than the baseline level by 1 year postpartum; among the oldest participants, discrimination decreased from the second trimester to 6 months postpartum and then returned to the baseline level by 1 year postpartum. Within-subjects changes in discrimination over time predicted changes in depressive and anxiety symptoms at subsequent points. Discrimination more strongly predicted anxiety symptoms among participants reporting food insecurity.

Conclusions. Our results support a life course approach to understanding the impact of experiences with discrimination on health and when to intervene.
Intervention Model for Contaminated Consumer Products: A Multifaceted Tool for Protecting Public Health
Authors: Hore Paromita , Ahmed Munerah , Nagin Deborah , Clark Nancy
Published: June 2014

Lead-based paint and occupational lead hazards remain the primary exposure sources of lead in New York City (NYC) children and men, respectively. Lead poisoning has also been associated with the use of certain consumer products in NYC.

The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene developed the Intervention Model for Contaminated Consumer Products, a comprehensive approach to identify and reduce exposure to lead and other hazards in consumer products. The model identifies hazardous consumer products, determines their availability in NYC, enforces on these products, and provides risk communication and public education.

Implementation of the model has resulted in removal of thousands of contaminated products from local businesses and continues to raise awareness of these hazardous products.
Differences in Time Use and Activity Patterns When Adding a Second Job: Implications for Health and Safety in the United States
Authors: Marucci-Wellman Helen R. , Lin Tin-Chi , Willetts Joanna L. , Brennan Melanye J. , Verma Santosh K.
Published: June 2014

Objectives. We compared work and lifestyle activities for workers who work in 1 job with those who work in multiple jobs during a 1-week period.

Methods. We used information from the 2003–2011 American Time Use Survey to classify workers into 6 work groups based on whether they were a single (SJH) or multiple (MJH) job holder and whether they worked their primary, other, multiple, or no job on the diary day.

Results. The MJHs often worked 2 part-time jobs (20%), long weekly hours (27% worked 60+ hours), and on weekends. The MJHs working multiple jobs on the diary day averaged more than 2 additional work hours (2.25 weekday, 2.75 weekend day; P < .05), odd hours (more often between 5 pm and 7 am), with more work travel time (10 minutes weekday, 9 minutes weekend day; P < .05) and less sleep (–45 minutes weekday, −62 minutes weekend day; P < .05) and time for other household (P < .05) and leisure (P < .05) activities than SJHs.

Conclusions. Because of long work hours, long daily commutes, multiple shifts, and less sleep and leisure time, MJHs may be at heightened risk of fatigue and injury.
A Framework for Describing Health Care Delivery Organizations and Systems
Authors: Piña Ileana L. , Cohen Perry D. , Larson David B. , Marion Lucy N. , Sills Marion R. , Solberg Leif I. , Zerzan Judy
Published: June 2014

Describing, evaluating, and conducting research on the questions raised by comparative effectiveness research and characterizing care delivery organizations of all kinds, from independent individual provider units to large integrated health systems, has become imperative. Recognizing this challenge, the Delivery Systems Committee, a subgroup of the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s Effective Health Care Stakeholders Group, which represents a wide diversity of perspectives on health care, created a draft framework with domains and elements that may be useful in characterizing various sizes and types of care delivery organizations and may contribute to key outcomes of interest. The framework may serve as the door to further studies in areas in which clear definitions and descriptions are lacking.
Impact of State Cigarette Taxes on Disparities in Maternal Smoking During Pregnancy
Authors: Hawkins Summer Sherburne , Baum Christopher F.
Published: June 2014

Objectives. We evaluated the impact of state tobacco control policies on disparities in maternal smoking during pregnancy.

Methods. We analyzed 2000–2010 National Vital Statistics System natality files with 17 699 534 births from 28 states and the District of Columbia that used the 1989 revision of the birth certificate. We conducted differences-in-differences regression models to assess whether changes in cigarette taxes and smoke-free legislation were associated with changes in maternal smoking during pregnancy and number of cigarettes smoked. To evaluate disparities, we included interaction terms between maternal race/ethnicity, education, and cigarette taxes.

Results. Although maternal smoking decreased from 11.6% to 8.9%, White and Black women without a high school degree had some of the highest rates of smoking (39.7% and 16.4%, respectively). These same women were the most responsive to cigarette tax increases, but not to smoke-free legislation. For every $1.00 cigarette tax increase, low-educated White and Black mothers decreased smoking by nearly 2 percentage points and smoked between 14 and 22 fewer cigarettes per month.

Conclusions. State cigarette taxes may be an effective population-level intervention to decrease racial/ethnic and socioeconomic disparities in maternal smoking during pregnancy.
Evaluating the Effect of State Regulation of Federally Licensed Firearm Dealers on Firearm Homicide
Authors: Irvin Nathan , Rhodes Karin , Cheney Rose , Wiebe Douglas
Published: June 2014

Effective federal regulation of firearm dealers has proven difficult. Consequently, many states choose to implement their own regulations. We examined the impact of state-required licensing, record keeping of sales, allowable inspections, and mandatory theft reporting on firearm homicide from 1995 to 2010. We found that lower homicide rates were associated with states that required licensing and inspections. We concluded that firearm dealer regulations might be an effective harm reduction strategy for firearm homicide.
Discrimination and Substance Use Disorders Among Latinos: The Role of Gender, Nativity, and Ethnicity
Authors: Otiniano Verissimo Angie Denisse , Grella Christine E. , Amaro Hortensia , Gee Gilbert C.
Published: June 2014

Objectives. We examined the relationship between discrimination and substance use disorders among a diverse sample of Latinos. We also investigated whether the relationship between discrimination and substance use disorders varied by gender, nativity, and ethnicity.

Methods. Our analyses focused on 6294 Latinos who participated in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions from 2004 to 2005. We used multinomial logistic regression to examine the association between discrimination and substance use disorders.

Results. Discrimination was significantly associated with increased odds of alcohol and drug use disorders among Latinos. However, the relationship between discrimination and substance use disorders varied by gender, nativity, and ethnicity. Discrimination was associated with increased odds of alcohol and drug use disorders for certain groups, such as women, US-born Latinos, and Mexicans, but this relationship did not follow the same pattern for other subgroups.

Conclusions. It is important to determine which subgroups among Latinos may be particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of discrimination to address their needs.
Public Bicycle Share Programs and Head Injuries
Authors: Graves Janessa M. , Pless Barry , Moore Lynne , Nathens Avery B. , Hunte Garth , Rivara Frederick P.
Published: June 2014

Objectives. We evaluated the effect of North American public bicycle share programs (PBSPs), which typically do not offer helmets with rentals, on the occurrence of bicycle-related head injuries.

Methods. We analyzed trauma center data for bicycle-related injuries from 5 cities with PBSPs and 5 comparison cities. We used logistic regression models to compare the odds that admission for a bicycle-related injury would involve a head injury 24 months before PBSP implementation and 12 months afterward.

Results. In PBSP cities, the proportion of head injuries among bicycle-related injuries increased from 42.3% before PBSP implementation to 50.1% after (P < .01). This proportion in comparison cities remained similar before (38.2%) and after (35.9%) implementation (P = .23). Odds ratios for head injury were 1.30 (95% confidence interval = 1.13, 1.67) in PBSP cities and 0.94 (95% confidence interval = 0.79, 1.11) in control cities (adjusted for age and city) when we compared the period after implementation to the period before.

Conclusions. Results suggest that steps should be taken to make helmets available with PBSPs. Helmet availability should be incorporated into PBSP planning and funding, not considered an afterthought following implementation.
The Interplay of Friendship Networks and Social Networking Sites: Longitudinal Analysis of Selection and Influence Effects on Adolescent Smoking and Alcohol Use
Authors: Huang Grace C. , Soto Daniel , Fujimoto Kayo , Valente Thomas W.
Published: June 2014

Objectives. We examined the coevolution of adolescent friendships and peer influences with respect to their risk behaviors and social networking site use.

Methods. Investigators of the Social Network Study collected longitudinal data during fall 2010 and spring 2011 from 10th-grade students in 5 Southern California high schools (n = 1434). We used meta-analyses of stochastic actor-based models to estimate changes in friendship ties and risk behaviors and the effects of Facebook and MySpace use.

Results. Significant shifts in adolescent smoking and drinking occurred despite little change in overall prevalence rates. Students with higher levels of alcohol use were more likely to send and receive friendship nominations and become friends with other drinkers. They were also more likely to increase alcohol use if their friends drank more. Adolescents selected friends with similar Facebook and MySpace use habits. Exposure to friends’ risky online pictures increased smoking behaviors but had no significant effects on alcohol use.

Conclusions. Our findings support a greater focus on friendship selection mechanisms in school-based alcohol use interventions. Social media platforms may help identify at-risk adolescent groups and foster positive norms about risk behaviors.
Estimating the Proportion of Cases of Lung Cancer Legally Attributable to Smoking: A Novel Approach for Class Actions Against the Tobacco Industry
Authors: Siemiatycki Jack , Karp Igor , Sylvestre Marie-Pierre , Pintos Javier
Published: June 2014

Objectives. The plaintiffs’ lawyers for a class action suit, which was launched in Quebec on behalf of all patients with lung cancer whose disease was caused by cigarette smoking, asked us to estimate what proportion of lung cancer cases in Quebec, if they hypothetically could be individually evaluated, would satisfy the criterion that it is “more likely than not” that smoking caused the disease.

Methods. The novel methodology we developed is based on the dose–response relationship between smoking and lung cancer, for which we use the pack-years as a measure of smoking, and the distribution of pack-years of smoking among cases.

Results. We estimated that the amount of smoking required to satisfy the ”more likely than not” criterion is between 3 and 11 pack-years. More than 90% of the Quebec cases satisfied even the most conservative of these thresholds.

Conclusions. More than 90% of cases of lung cancer in Quebec are legally attributable to smoking. The methodology enhances the ability to conduct class action suits against the tobacco industry.
A Comparison of Cessation Counseling Received by Current Smokers at US Dentist and Physician Offices During 2010–2011
Authors: Agaku Israel T. , Ayo-Yusuf Olalekan A. , Vardavas Constantine I.
Published: June 2014

Objectives. We compared patient-reported receipt of smoking cessation counseling from US dentists and physicians.

Methods. We analyzed the 2010 to 2011 Tobacco Use Supplement of the Current Population Survey to assess receipt of smoking cessation advice and assistance by a current smoker from a dentist or physician in the past 12 months.

Results. Current adult smokers were significantly less likely to be advised to quit smoking during a visit to a dentist (31.2%) than to a physician (64.8%). Among physician patients who were advised to quit, 52.7% received at least 1 form of assistance beyond the simple advice to quit; 24.5% of dental patients received such assistance (P < .05). Approximately 9.4 million smokers who visited a dentist in 2010 to 2011 did not receive any cessation counseling.

Conclusions. Our results indicate a need for intensified efforts to increase dentist involvement in cessation counseling. System-level changes, coupled with regular training, may enhance self-efficacy of dentists in engaging patients in tobacco cessation counseling.
An Innovative Fluid Pressure Transmission Pill Successfully Used During Managed Pressure Drilling Operations in an HTHP Environment
Authors: Ronæs Egil , Prebensen Ole Iacob , Mikalsen Renate , Taugbøl Knut , Syltøy Svein , Torvund Steinar
Published: June 2014

To successfully perform a Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) operation in a high-temperature, high-pressure (HTHP) field offshore Norway, an innovative fluid technology was developed for well control purposes. The drilling fluid used in MPD mode had insufficient density for tripping operations. To balance the reservoir pressure when tripping, an isolation pill was spotted in the upper part, leaving dense fluid on top of the well and making the total hydrostatic pressure in the fluid column sufficient for well control.

This development pill enabled pressure to be transmitted to the bottom of a well by placing the pill in between a dense fluid on top of a less dense fluid. The design and properties of this pill made it possible to run test wireline logs and eventually a test liner run through the pill, and at the same time, maintain a pre-determined hydrostatic pressure to keep the well under control without externally applied pressure. In addition, the pill did not cause instability by interfacing different density fluids as this would have a dramatic impact on the hydrostatic pressure. One of the criteria was to displace the pill out of the well by using the circulating system only. As this paper describes, the pill stayed intact during the entire operation and displacement of the pill from the wellbore was performed successfully.

Another benefit observed was the lack of remedial treatment needed at surface when the pill was circulated out. As this was a solids-free pill, no additional treatment was required.

This paper describes in detail the development of the fluid pressure transmission pill and the purpose of using such a pill, including testing performed, and the final result of using the pill for the first time in a well exposed to open reservoir.
60 Days Ahead of Schedule—Reducing Drilling Risk at Valhall Using Computational Geomechanics
Authors: Kristiansen Tron Golder , Flatebø Roar Egil
Published: June 2014

The Valhall field is an over pressured, undersaturated Upper Cretaceous chalk reservoir located in the Norwegian sector of the North Sea. The reservoirs are consisting of weak chalk. The weak chalk results in significant reservoir compaction, exceeding 10 meters in places, and corresponding seafloor subsidence, exceeding 6 meters above the center of the field. Previous papers have documented the increasing drilling challenges in the shale overburden at Valhall due to the subsidence. This paper presents the computational geomechanics technology developed and implemented to assist drilling into the highly depleted and compacted crest from the new water injection platform at Valhall. The work is focusing on handling the stress changes occurring in the overburden above a compacting reservoir and not the more traditional situation associated with depleted induced fracture gradient changes in the reservoir itself. The technology is based on a history matched full field finite element based geomechanics model to calculate stresses, strains and displacements. The results are exported from the finite element model to GOCAD in order to do wellbore stability calculations using BP's Well Planning Toolkit (WPTK). In this environment one can also easily use supporting data as 4D seismic from the permanent Life of Field Seismic array at Valhall. The paper describes the process used for implementing and verifying the technology. By calculating the operational mud weight window over a high risk interval in the overburden a good correlation to historical non-productive time was found. The methodology is used in detailed well planning where only moving the well 50 meters in one direction can result in problem free drilling or challenges. The paper presents the first application of this technology on a new water injector delivered 60 days ahead of schedule with reduced costs at around 20 million USD and a potential train wreck avoidance of 60 million USD.
PVT Properties, Wettability and Capillary Forces in Unconventional Gas Reservoirs: Topics Rarely Visited
Authors: Lakatos I. , Bódi T. , Lakatos-Szabó J. , Szentes G.
Published: June 2014

The unconventional gas reservoirs usually have extremely low permeability, small average pore sizes, and often absolute water-wet surface character. As a result, the residual water saturation and the critical capillary pressure needed to mobilize water from natural porous systems might also be unexpectedly high. Therefore, a detailed laboratory studies have been carried out with the aim at determining the detrimental effects of pore structure, wettability, capillary and imbibition forces, and permeability in tight sand gas and BCGA reservoirs. Based on experimental results, it was proved that the water was a natural blocking phase. Namely, the water may cause serious formation damaging hard to cure when the reservoirs were ever contacted with water. Hence, the operators definitely face with difficulties when water-based fluids are used in drilling, well completion, fracturing, and production technologies. Consequently, the physico-chemical considerations suggest that application of water-free fluids is recommended in any phases of field operations. Similar difficulties are arising in respect to gas transport in tight media. Since the mass transport is usually diffusion, the driving force of gas production should be treated with weaponry of physico-chemical approach and thermodynamic calculations. The paper to be presented will also focus on critical PVT problems of fluids saturating the reservoir space. It will be shown that gas/liquid equilibrium of some fluids (e.g. water and heavy hydrocarbons) and supercritical phase equilibrium of light hydrocarbons, CO2 and H2S may have significant influence on rate and composition of gas production. Thus, new paradigms and theoretical approach are necessary in the future, and further fundamental and applied research seems to be indispensable to develop novel recovery technologies for gas recovery from unconventional gas reservoirs.
Data Assimilation by Use of the Iterative Ensemble Smoother for 2D Facies Models
Authors: Zhang Yanhui , Oliver Dean S. , Chen Yan , Skaug Hans J.
Published: June 2014

The ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) and related ensemble-based smoothers are well-suited to history match reservoir models that are multivariate Gaussian. Estimating categorical variables such as facies types is much more difficult with the EnKF, especially when the variables have complex transitional dependencies. In a previous study, the EnKF was used for updating third-order Markov-chain models in one dimension with an efficient post-processing step to ensure that the posterior samples are constrained by the prior. The efficiency of the post-processing step depended on the use of an optimization algorithm (Viterbi algorithm) that is not directly applicable in higher dimensions.

In this paper, the post-processing step is carried out with a sequential noniterative optimization algorithm that readily extends to higher dimensions. An iterative ensemble-based data-assimilation method by use of Levenberg-Marquardt (LM) regularization—namely, LM ensemble randomized maximum likelihood (LM-EnRML)—is used to update reservoir properties to honor production data disregarding the categorical feature of the facies model. The ensemble of realizations updated with LM-EnRML is used to approximate the likelihood of the model variables given data, and bivariate transition probability functions are used to represent the joint probability of the prior facies model. At the post-processing step, the facies type at each gridblock is determined sequentially to maximize the posterior probability, given the approximate prior and likelihood. We demonstrate the approach by conditioning three binary-facies models with channel structure and a three-facies model of sand dunes to nonlinear observations. Our results show the updated facies models honor production data very well, and the transitions among facies are consistent with the prior model.
Modification of jar testing protocol combined with mEnCo model predicted dose to predict dissolved organic matter removal for surface water
Authors: Murshed Mohamad Fared , van Leeuwen John A. , Chow Christopher W. K. , Drikas Mary
Published: June 2014

In recent climatic events in Australia, the need for frequent jar testing to determine optimum coagulant and flocculant aid doses became apparent in order to determine optimum treatment efficiencies. The generally applied jar test procedure can be time consuming and this prompted investigations for capacity to test waters more rapidly, for a range of treatment conditions and raw water qualities. The aim of the study reported here was to develop a rapid procedure for determination of dissolved organic matter (DOM) removal, measured as dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and UV absorbance (254 nm/cm) for a range of treatment conditions (coagulant dose and pH). Using a previously established predictive model (mEnCo) for coagulant determination, several coagulant doses were then predicted for application in a modified jar test protocol. Best fitted and predicted data using the exponential decay function compared with data from a 6× jar test procedure were obtained using three doses, 0.5× EnCD, EnCD and a VHD (≥2× EnCD). It is proposed that this procedure may be used to more rapidly determine treatment efficiency based on the removal of organics compared with traditionally applied jar tests.
Potential impact of heterogeneity on groundwater age
Authors: Galesic Morena , Gotovac Hrvoje
Published: June 2014

Groundwater age is an important water property used as an indicator of groundwater quality. There have been no sufficient data and measurements underground, and that problem has been mitigated by using direct simulation of groundwater age. This paper has been motivated by the work of Daniel J. Goode, defining a rather different approach. A numerical model has been developed, using the Lagrangian approach and random walk particle tracking method, where groundwater age is calculated as a summed-up travelling time of certain particles. Basic input of this method is flow calculation; hence, in order to get the groundwater age simulation, an upgrade has been done to the existing software. Synthetic examples have been simulated for homogeneous, layered, as well as for low and medium heterogeneous aquifer systems. A stochastic analysis of heterogeneous aquifers has been done using a Monte Carlo simulation method. The results are given as groundwater age fields. Application of such an approach lays in possible estimation of the expected groundwater age at a certain location of water intake. Therefore, the calculated probability assumptions may be used as a decision support tool in cases of groundwater pollution, estimation of the level of aquifer's auto-purification, or in events where applying certain level of water treatment prior to usage is needed.
The effects of irrigation modernization on the cost recovery of water in the Valencia Region (Spain)
Authors: García-Mollá Marta , Ortega-Reig Mar , Sanchis-Ibor Carles , Avellà-Reus Llorenç
Published: June 2014

The modernization of the irrigation systems has been the main strategy followed by the regional administration of the Valencia Region to cope with the structural water deficit of the region, which has been particularly severe during the last three decades. These policies have been oriented to the substitution of gravity irrigation systems for drip technology. The technological change has involved an important investment effort, developed by different public administrations and also the farmers and water users' associations (WUAs). This transformation, has also involved a change in the structure of costs of the WUAs. This paper analyzes the changes in costs and tariffs of irrigation after the important investments made in the modernization of irrigation. The effects of subsidies on the percentage of the cost recovery in the services of water for irrigation are also considered. All of them have developed modernization projects in the recent years. It can be concluded that conflict between two objectives proposed by the Water Framework Directive may exist. On the one hand, significant reductions of water supply are observed; meanwhile, on the other hand, the cost recovery percentage diminishes significantly.
Virus removal by an in-line coagulation–ceramic microfiltration process with high-basicity polyaluminum coagulation pretreatment
Authors: Shirasaki N. , Matsushita T. , Matsui Y. , Urasaki T. , Kimura M. , Ohno K.
Published: June 2014

The ability of in-line coagulation pretreatment with high-basicity polyaluminum chloride (PACl) coagulants to enhance virus removal by ceramic microfiltration (MF) was examined by comparing virus removal efficiencies from water pretreated with PACl-2.2 (basicity 2.2) and PACl-2.5 (basicity 2.5) versus alum, a synthetic aluminum chloride (AlCl3) solution, and two commercially available PACls, PACl-1.5 and PACl-1.8. The virus removal ratios for AlCl3, alum, PACl-1.5, and PACl-1.8 decreased markedly when the pH of the treated water shifted from 6.8 to 7.8, but was high at both pHs for PACl-2.2 and PACl-2.5. PACl-2.5 contains Al13 species and possibly Al30 species, and has a high colloid charge density. It removed viruses more efficiently than the other aluminum-based coagulants, not only at neutral pH, but also under weakly alkaline conditions. Moreover, the in-line coagulation–ceramic MF process with PACl-2.5 pretreatment removed not only viruses but also dissolved organic carbon and UV260-absorbing natural organic matter more efficiently and resulted in a lower residual aluminum concentration than did commercially available PACls, especially under weakly alkaline conditions. A combination of coagulation pretreatment with a high-basicity PACl and ceramic MF can provide effective treatment of drinking water over a broader pH range than is possible with commercially available aluminum-based coagulants.
Direct pre-treatment of surface water through submerged hollow fibre ultrafiltration membranes
Authors: Galvañ C. , Casas S. , Llombart M. , Mesa J. , Ferrer O. , Gibert O. , Bernat X.
Published: June 2014

The most distinctive characteristic of the Mediterranean climate is its strong seasonality, dry summers and intense rainfall episodes concentrated in spring and autumn. This changeability is translated into a wide variability of the water resources in terms of quantity and quality. Barcelona, located in the northeast extreme of the Iberian Peninsula, shows all the characteristics of the Mediterranean climate. The Llobregat River, which is the main conventional water source for drinking water production in Barcelona region, presents a poor and variable quality as well as high flow variability. This study is focused on testing ultrafiltration (UF) membranes, based on a submerged outside-in configuration, as direct pre-treatment of such water at demonstration scale. A prototype with Zeeweed® 500D membranes was optimised for the different scenarios tested during 2 years of continuous operation. It was demonstrated to be able to stand the extreme feed quality limits, obtaining water yields in the range of 89–92% in all conditions used. The prototype worked better in terms of water production yield at high turbidity episodes (>70 NTU), probably due to a layer formation which prevented organic species and particles reaching the membrane. Permeate water was shown, in spite of feed water quality fluctuations, to be constant and appropriate in quality terms. Water quality results obtained are compared to the ones obtained in a conventional pre-treatment. The preliminary results of a technical comparison between direct UF and conventional pre-treatment are also detailed in the study.
Bi-level optimization allocation model of water resources for different water industries
Authors: Guo Zhihui , Chang Jianxia , Huang Qiang , Xu Lei , Da Chaoji , Wu Haixia
Published: June 2014

There are severe water shortages, exacerbated by overexploitation, in the region upstream of the dam at Zhang Jiakou, and in many other regions, both in China and other parts of the world. Allocating water resources equitably amongst the numerous domestic and industrial consumers in these regions, while preserving or improving the environment and meeting economic goals, is a highly complex problem. Various researchers have addressed this problem using various models, but no model that satisfactorily optimizes the complex, interacting social, economic and environmental goals has been developed as yet. To contribute towards this goal, we present a bi-level optimization model that allocates water resources rationally between all sectors, and prevents overexploitation. It is based on the optimization of comprehensive social, economic, agricultural, environment and groundwater preservation benefits. Verified results obtained with the model indicate that it is capable of resolving the multi-dimensional water allocation problems rationally, both in the focal region and more generally, according to a flexible set of ordered, prioritized objectives.
Principal component analysis to assess the efficiency and mechanism for ultraviolet-C/polyaluminum chloride enhanced coagulation of algae-laden water
Authors: Ou Hua-Se , Wei Chao-Hai , Deng Yang , Gao Nai-Yun
Published: June 2014

Polyaluminum chloride (PAC) coagulation, short wavelength ultraviolet (UV-C at 254 nm) treatment and UV-C/PAC treatment of algae-laden water from Meiliang Gulf (Lake Taihu) were conducted. The intrinsic characteristics and correlations of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM), algae biomass and other contaminants were investigated. Parallel factor analysis determined four CDOM components, and principal component analysis (PCA) identified three integrated principal factors. PCA Factor 1 had correlations with dissolved organic carbon (DOC) (r = 0.798), UV254 (0.645), humic-like CDOM component C3 (0.892) and C4 (0.876), and Factor 2 correlated with in vivo chlorophyll-a (0.768), microcystin-LR (0.713), protein-like C1 (0.782) and C2 (0.759). Factor 3 had correlations with NH3-N (0.851) and total phosphorus (T-P) (0.716). The variation in PCA factor scores revealed that single PAC coagulation preferentially removed algal cells (Factor 2) but had little effect on NH3-N and T-P (Factor 3). Single UV-C treatment induced degradation of protein-like CDOM and decrease of algal biomass (Factor 2), followed by humic-like CDOM increase from ruptured cells (Factors 1 and 3). Compared with single PAC coagulation (20 mg L−1), the combined UV-C/PAC treatment (700 mJ cm−2 + 20 mg L−1) enhanced the removal of PCA Factors 1, 2 and 3 (15%, 32% and 10%).
Privatization and survival: Evidence from a Russian firm survey
Authors: Sprenger Carsten
Published: June 2014

This study is dedicated to an important aspect of the long-run performance of
firms, namely their survival under rapidly changing conditions in a
transition economy. The analysis is focused on the question of whether
privatization and ownership structure have affected the likelihood of
liquidation and bankruptcy of firms in Russia. We use a sample of 497
privatized and non-privatized firms that were surveyed in 1999-2000, and for
which information was collected about their survival status and reasons for
exit, such as bankruptcy, mergers and court decisions. More than 38% of the
sample firms were liquidated over the period 1999 to 2013. We find that
privatization and the choice of privatization option have no effect on the
long-term survival of firms in Russia, but that managerial ownership lowers
the likelihood of both liquidation and bankruptcy. Other transition-specific
predictors of bankruptcy, such as the extent of price controls and the amount
of wage arrears, affect firm exit in a significant way.
Freshwater Reservoir Offsets Investigated Through Paired Human-Faunal14C Dating and Stable Carbon and Nitrogen Isotope Analysis at Lake Baikal, Siberia
Authors: Schulting Rick J , Ramsey Christopher Bronk , Bazaliiskii Vladimir I , Goriunova Olga I , Weber Andrzej
Published: June 2014

Thirty-three paired accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) radiocarbon dates on human and terrestrial faunal remains from the same Neolithic and Early Bronze Age graves are used to develop a correction for the freshwater reservoir effect (FRE) at Lake Baikal, Siberia. Excluding two outliers, stable nitrogen isotope (δ15N) values show a positive correlation(r2= 0.672,p< 0.000) with offsets in14C yr between paired human and fauna determinations. The highest offset observed in our data set is 622 yr, which is close to the value of ∼700 yr suggested for endemic seals in the lake. For each per mil increase in δ15N, the offset increases by 77 ± 10 yr in the overall data set. However, there are indications that different regression models apply in each of two microregions of Cis-Baikal. In the first, sites on the southwest shore of the lake and along the Angara River show a strong positive correlation between δ15N values and offsets in14C yr (r2= 0.814,p< 0.000). In the other, the Little Sea, both δ13C and δ15N values make significant contributions to the model (adjustedr2= 0.878; δ13Cp< 0.001; δ15Np< 0.000). This can be related to the complex13C ecology of the lake, which displays one of the widest ranges of δ13C values known for any natural ecosystem. The results will be important in terms of refining the culture-history of the region, as well as exploring the dynamic interactions of hunter-gatherer communities both synchronically and diachronically.
Inequalities and Means from a Cyclic Differential Equation
Authors: Herzog Gerd , Kunstmann Peer Chr.
Published: June 2014

We prove that the solution of the cyclic initial value problem u’k = 1/2 - uk/(uk+1 + uk+2) (k Z/nZ), u(0)= x is convergent to an equilibrium μ (x) (1,…,1), and study the properties of the function x → μ(x) and its relation to Shapiro’s inequality.
Direct Estimate for Some Operators of Durrmeyer Type in Exponential Weighted Space
Authors: Krech Grażyna , Wachnicki Eugeniusz
Published: June 2014

In the present paper, we investigate the convergence and the approximation order of some Durrmeyer type operators in exponential weighted space. Furthermore, we obtain the Voronovskaya type theorem for these operators.
Crossed Product of a C*-Algebra by a Semigroup of Interactions
Authors: Kwaśniewski B. K.
Published: June 2014

The paper presents a construction of the crossed product of a C*-algebra by a commutative semigroup of bounded positive linear maps generated by partial isometries. In particular, it generalizes Antonevich, Bakhtin, Lebedev’s crossed product by an endomorphism, and is related to Exel’s interactions. One of the main goals is the Isomorphism Theorem established in the case of actions by endomorphisms.
Viscosity Approximation Methods for Nonexpansive Multi-Valued Nonself Mappings and Equilibrium Problems
Authors: Cholamjiak P. , Cholamjiak W. , Suantai S.
Published: June 2014

In this paper, strong convergence theorems by the viscosity approximation method for nonexpansive multi-valued nonself mappings and equilibrium problems are established under some suitable conditions in a Hilbert space. The obtained results extend and improve the corresponding results existed in the literature.
Common Fixed Point of Four Mappings Satisfying Implicit Generalized Weak Contractive Type Condition
Authors: Sedghi Shaban , Shobe Nabi , Abbas Mujahid
Published: June 2014

In this paper, common fixed point for four maps using an implicit contractive condition in a complete metric space is proved. Some periodic point results for such mappings are also obtained. These results extend and generalize several comparable results in the current literature.
Extended Weyl-Type Theorems for Direct Sums
Authors: Berkani M. , Kachad M. , Zariouh H.
Published: June 2014

In this paper, we study the stability of extended Weyl and Browdertype theorems for orthogonal direct sum S⊕T, where S and T are bounded linear operators acting on Banach space. Two counterexamples shows that property (ab), in general, is not preserved under direct sum. Nonetheless, and under the assumptions that Π0
α (T) ⊂σα(S) and Π0
α(S) ⊂σα(T), we characterize preservation of property (ab) under direct sum S⊕T. Furthermore, we show that if S and T satisfy generalized a-Browder’s theorem, then S⊕T satisfies generalized a-Browder’s theorem if and only if σSBF-+ (S ⊕T) = σSBF
-
+(S) ∪σSBF-+(T), which improves a recent result of [13] by removing certain extra assumptions.
Some Applications of Minimal Pγ -Open Sets
Authors: Khalaf Alias B. , Ibrahim Hariwan Z.
Published: June 2014

We characterize minimal P γ-open sets in topological spaces. We show that any nonempty subset of a minimal P γ-open set is pre P-open. As an application of a theory of minimal Pγ-open sets, we obtain a sufficient condition for a P-locally finite space to be a pre P γ-Hausdorff space
Rδ-Supercontinuous Functions
Authors: Kohli J. K. , Tyagi B. K. , Singh D. , Aggarwal Jeetendra
Published: June 2014

A new class of functions called ‘Rδ-supercontinuous functions’ is introduced. Their basic properties are studied and their place in the hierarchy of strong variants of continuity which already exist in the literature is elaborated. The class of Rδ-supercontinuous functions (Math. Bohem., to appear) properly contains the class of Rz-supercontinuous functions which in its turn properly contains the class of Rcl- supercontinuous functions (Demonstratio Math. 46(1) (2013), 229-244) and so includes all Rcl-supercontinuous (≡clopen continuous) functions (Applied Gen. Topol. 8(2) (2007), 293-300; Indian J. Pure Appl. Math. 14(6) (1983), 767-772) and is properly contained in the class of R-supercontinuous functions (Demonstratio Math. 43(3) (2010), 703-723).
Merkel's Nachsommermärchen?
Authors: Langenbacher Eric
Published: June 2014

Not once during the campaign—or actually over the whole course of the

seventeenth Bundestag (2009-2013)—was it ever really in doubt that Angela

Merkel would continue as chancellor after the 22 September 2013 parliamentary

election. Despite the vicissitudes of governing for eight years, most

in the midst of the financial and Euro crisis, she has achieved and sustained

some of the highest approval ratings of any postwar German politician. Voters

trust Merkel as a good manager of the economy and an honest steward

and defender of German interests in Europe. Her carefully cultivated image

as a steady, reassuring, and incorruptible leader, coupled with her political

acumen, ideological flexibility and, at times, ruthlessness—captured in the

dueling monikers of Mutti Merkel and Merkelavelli1—are the keys to her

profound success.
Follow-up to the Grand Coalition: The German Party System before and after the 2013 Federal Election
Authors: Decker Frank
Published: June 2014

The recent federal elections refuted a number of established hypotheses on the development of the German party system and contradicted the electoral strategies of nearly all parties involved. The outcome was neither a further fragmentation of the parliamentary landscape nor the unavoidable establishment of a grand coalition. On the contrary, in most cases, the respective parties failed as a result of their own mistakes in selecting adequate campaign issues, strategies and/or candidates. Aside from party-specific questions, such as the trajectories of both the AfD and the FDP, the future of the German party system seems largely dependent on the relationships between the three left-of-center parties at the federal level.
Closing the Gap: Gender and Constituency Candidate Nomination in the 2013 Bundestag Election
Authors: Davidson-Schmich Louise K.
Published: June 2014

Since the adoption of candidate gender quotas, women have always fared better in the “second” or PR tier of Bundestag elections than in the “first” or plurality tier, where quotas do not apply. This gap, however, has been closing. In the 2009 Bundestag election, 27 percent of the major parties' direct mandate candidates were women compared to almost 30 percent in 2013. All parties experienced an increase in the percentage of women among their nominees for direct mandates between 2009 and 2013. Why have the numbers of female candidates for the 299 directly elected Bundestag constituencies been increasing? This increase is puzzling because gender quotas have not been extended to this tier of the electoral system and candidate selection rules have not changed. This article explores five potential mechanisms that may be driving the observed rise in women nominated as constituency candidates. I argue that the main reasons for these increases lie in the advantages female incumbents incur, the openings presented when male incumbents retire, and the diffusion of female candidates across parties and neighboring Wahlkreise after one woman manages to win a direct mandate. I develop these conclusions by comparing candidate nominations and direct mandate winners in the 2009 and 2013 Bundestag elections.