bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and identification of a multi-species water quality model for reclaimed water distribution systems
Authors: Li Shun , Sun Fu , Zeng Siyu , Dong Xin , Du Pengfei
Published: September 2015

With the rapid development of a centralized wastewater reuse scheme in China, water quality concerns arise considering the long-distance transport of reclaimed water in distribution systems from wastewater treatment plants to points of use. To this end, a multi-species water quality model for reclaimed water distribution systems (RWDSs) was developed and validated against the data from part of a full-scale RWDS in Beijing. The model could simulate organics, ammonia nitrogen, residual chlorine, inert particles, and six microbial species, i.e. fecal coliforms, Enterococcus spp., Salmonella spp., Mycobacterium spp., and other heterotrophic and autotrophic bacteria, in both the bulk liquid and the biofilm. Altogether, 56 reaction processes were involved, and 37 model parameters and seven initial values were identified. Despite the limited monitoring data and the associated gross uncertainty, the model could simulate the reclaimed water quality in the RWDS with acceptable accuracy. Regional sensitivity analysis suggested that the model had a balanced structure with a large proportion of sensitive parameters, and the sensitivity of model parameters could be reasonably interpreted by current knowledge or observation. Furthermore, the most sensitive model parameters could generally be well identified with uncertainties significantly reduced, which also favored the trustworthiness of the model. Finally, future plans to improve and apply the model were also discussed.
Research on Static Compression Test of Polyurethane Foam/Honeycomb Paperboard Composite Material
Authors: Ju Wang , Jifeng Liang , Lei Lv
Published: September 2015

To study the mechanical behavior and energy absorption ability of polyurethane foam/honeycomb paperboard
composite material under the static compression test.

The static compression tests of polyurethane foam/honeycomb paperboard composite material are conducted by electronic
universal testing machine. The mechanical behavior under the condition of static compression and the factors influencing
the composite materials’ static cushioning properties were analyzed. Then, a comparison was made based on the energy
absorption ability between composite materials and simple materials.

The yield stress, strength and other indicators of foam/honeycomb paperboard have doubled the growth after filling
polyurethane. The aperture size is the main influencing factor affecting the static cushioning properties of composite
material.

The energy absorption amount of composite materials is about 1.85 times than the total energy of two simple materials.
Influence of Annealing on Zn1-XCuxo (X=6.27%) Thin Films by Sol-gel Method
Authors: Xiaoyang Wang , Keming Ren , Zhen Zhou
Published: September 2015

The ZnCuO (x=6.27%) films under different annealing were prepared by the sol-gel method on grass. Using
the X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy to study the influence of annealing on the microstructure and surface
morphology of the film, the result of which shows that the annealing temperature did not change the wurtzite structure
of ZnO and the film density under 400 degree annealing is evened out and is the best one.In the transmission spectra
of zinc oxide (ZnO) films, the transmittance in the visible light range changes little with the shift of the annealing temperature,
and the absorption edge assumes a hypsochromic shift. From the point of light spectrum at room temperature, annealing
temperature changes photoluminescence peak position, not significantly changing the luminescence peak position
of ZnO film, but make zinc deficiency increased with annealing and the obvious enhancement in the visible region photoluminescence
peak.
Research of Polymer Planar Optical Waveguide Sensing Characteristics
Authors: Anjiang Lu , Zhongchen Bai , Zhengping Zhang , ShuiJie Qin
Published: September 2015

In order to research the sensing characteristics of polymer optical waveguide. In this paper, the theoretical
model of transmission of three-layer polymer planar optical waveguide was established based on coupled-mode theory.
The working principle of optical waveguide biosensor was investigated. The article also researched the relationship between
an optical guide’s physical parameters and surface sensitivity and improved on the sensitivity calculation method of
composite optical guide sensing components. This paper then goes on to establish a sensitivity analysis method for disappeared
wave type sensing components. Based on this, the article has developed sensitivity calculation software for high
sensitivity optical guide sensing components and improved film refraction rate of the method for sensitivity calculation.
Research on Syntheses and Properties of Water-soluble Symmetrical Squarylium Double-cyanine Dyes
Authors: Yao Xinding , Fang Ruina , Pang Hongjian , Liu Guoji
Published: September 2015

In this paper, 2,3,3-trimethyl-3H-indolin was synthesized by phenylhydrazine and 3-methyl-2-butanone as raw
materials in the acetic acid reacted with different nitrogenalkylating reagents. Semi mono-cyanine dye and semi dicyanine
dye were prepared with the help of squaric acid diethyl ester. The spectral properties of the target products were
checked. The results show that compared with symmetrical squarylium mono-indocyanine dyes with the same substituent,
the photo-stability of the bi-cyanine dyes were much better. When dissolved in water, the dye showed shorter maximum
absorption wavelength, shorter maximum emission wavelength and shorter Stokes shift and apparent aggregation. In protic
solvents, dye spectra showed a blue shift effect with an increase of solution polarity, while in aprotic solvents, dye
spectrum showed a red shift with solution polarity increased. Among different solvents, the photostability of the dye in
methanol is strongest.
Impact of Wind Power Generation on System Operation and Costs
Authors: Fei Wang , Wenxia Pan , Rui Quan
Published: September 2015

In this paper, a deterministic security-constrained unit commitment (SCUC) model is deployed in order to optimize
generation output and allocation for spinning reserve considering different wind power dispatch modes. In this
model, the scheduling of power plants takes into account a simultaneous clearing of power, reserve capacity requirement
and CO2 emission and so on. Spinning reserve is modelled as an exogenous parameter which represents load uncertainty
and wind power uncertainty. Special attention in the study is given to determine the impact of different dispatch modes
with wind power and different levels of spinning reserve requirement on system operation and costs. The proposed model
can be formulated as a mixed-integer problem (MIP) and solved in GAMS by using the CPLEX optimizer. The model is
applied to a wind-fired intensive power system for three case studies. The results include the optimal spinning reserve and
generator output of each generator, CO2 emission cost and cost of wind power for each case study. The results show that
taking wind power as a control option can improves system operation and costs if wind generation and traditional sources
generation are coordinated properly.
The Pricing model for Transmission and Distribution Tariff Under Different Voltage Levels Based on the Long-run Marginal Cost Method
Authors: Qing-you Yan , Yi-xin Sun , Chao Qin , hong-fu Tan Z
Published: September 2015

An incremental load model during peak load period in which both load rate and simultaneity of load is given.
To mitigate the influence of irregular putting into operation of transmission and distribution equipment on fluctuation of
marginal cost of transmission and distribution, an annuity calculation method of average incremental cost is proposed, and
a calculation model based on long-term marginal cost, which can rationally share the expense of voltage classes, is built.
According to incremental load during peak load period and the final average incremental cost to be borne by different
voltage classes, the transmission and distribution prices for different voltage classes are calculated. Case study on longterm
marginal cost of a certain regional power network is carried out, and calculation results show that the proposed
transmission and distribution pricing method can reflect economic trend in the future and is favorable to eliminate crosssubsidies
as well as make the electricity prices borne by various consumers in different voltage classes more fair and reasonable.
Electric Vehicle Charging Load Model Based on Diffusion Theory
Authors: Peng Han , Wu Jinmei , Wang Lu
Published: September 2015

Purpose:

discuss actual application value of the diffusion theory in massive electric vehicle charging load.

Method:

introduce single vehicle charging process, extend it to charging process of two and multiple electric vehicles,
abstract physical process of parallel charging of electric vehicles, introduce energy block concept and diffusion theory,
and establish diffusion charging model of electric vehicles based on them.

Results:

computing results of the charging load of multiple electric vehicles indicates that the computing results of the
diffusion load model of electric vehicles feature better continuity and lower load compared to the computing results of the
Monte Carlo load model. The charging load curve of private vehicles shows double peaks on the business days. The
charging load of vehicles reduces at the weekend and shows single-peak curve.

Conclusion:

the computing results validate effectivity of the diffusion theory in charging model of multiple electric
vehicles, which is worthy of further research in industrialization process.
Effects of Temperature and pH on the Activities of Catechol 2,3-dioxygenase Obtained from Crude Oil Contaminated Soil in Ilaje, Ondo State, Nigeria
Authors: Olukunle O.F. , Babajide O. , Boboye B.
Published: September 2015

Enrichment technique was employed for the isolation of the crude oil degrading bacteria. The isolated bacteria were screened for their degradative ability and the best degrading bacteria were selected based on their growth. Specific activities of Catechol-2,3-dioxygenase and effects of temperature and pH and their stabilities on the enzyme relative activities were observed. Bacteria isolated from the soil sample include; Bacillus cereus, B. amyloliquficiens, B. firmus, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus, Pseudomonas sp. P. fluorescens, P.putida, P.aeruginosa, Achromobacter xylosoxidans and Achromobacter sp. Screening of the degradative ability of the bacteria revealed P. aeruginosa, Bacillus cereus, Acinetobacter calcoaceticus and Achromobacter sp. to be the best degraders. The pH and temperature range with time for the enzyme activity were 6.0-8.0 and 30oC-50oC respectively. The enzyme exhibited activity that was slightly more tolerant to alkaline pH. Therefore, engineering of Catechol 2,3-dioxygenase may be employed for application on bioremediation of polluted sites.
Ground Source Heat Pump System: A Review of Current Status in China
Authors: Wan Rong , Kong Dequan , Guo Hong
Published: September 2015

This paper discusses the research and the state-of-art practices on ground source heat pump systems (GSHP) in
China. It introduces the Chinese patents on GSHP. The GSHP development policies of China, including incentive
mechanism, relevant codes and regulations, are also introduced. In addition, this paper discusses and summarizes the
shortages and imperfects of the current research of the GSHP system and gives some recommendations for future work.
At last, the authors give some advice for the development of ground source heat pump. For more reliable statistics on
geothermal energy use, the obligation to supply an installation report to the relevant authority should also be imposed on
the rural buildings besides urban buildings. GSHP systems are suitable for heating and cooling of buildings and so could
play a significant role in reducing CO2 emissions.
Foreign Ownership and Real Earnings Management: Evidence from Japan
Authors: Guo Jun , Huang Pinghsun , Zhang Yan , Zhou Nan
Published: September 2015

Studying a sample of Japanese firms, we examine whether foreign investors exert a significant influence on earnings management through manipulation of real activities. We find that foreign investors play an independent role in restraining real earnings management, as captured by abnormal cash flow from operations, abnormal discretionary expenses, abnormal production costs, or a composite of the aforementioned three measures. These results are robust to a variety of controls, including economic fundamentals, domestic blockholdings, governance mechanisms, and endogeneity of foreign ownership. Our findings indicate that sophisticated foreign investors, with relatively few business ties to local management, improve the accounting oversight of local firms by curbing earnings manipulation via operating activities. Collectively, our evidence suggests that one potential benefit of capital market globalization is less real earnings management in particular and higher earnings quality in general.

JEL Classifications: M41; F23; G32.
Are maximum bite forces of subjects 7 to 17 years of age related to malocclusion?
Authors: Roldán Samuel I. , Restrepo Luis G. , Isaza Juan F. , Vélez Luz G. , Buschang Peter H.
Published: September 2015

Objective: 

To determine the effects of occlusion on maximum bite force of growing subjects.

Materials and Methods: 

Incisor and first molar bite force of children and adolescents was evaluated. Four cohorts were measured annually for 3 years, starting at approximately 7, 9, 12, and 15 years of age, respectively. The initial sample included 182 females and 198 males; there were 130 subjects with normal occlusion, 111 with Class I malocclusion, and 139 with Class II malocclusion. Multilevel analyses were performed to model the growth changes and compare groups.

Results: 

Maximum bite force increased significantly (P < .05) over time. Incisal forces peaked at 14.3 and 15.3 years of age for females and males, respectively. Maximum molar bite force peaked at 16 years for both males and females. Subjects with normal occlusion had significantly higher bite force than subjects with malocclusion. Maximum molar bite force exhibited a significant testing effect, with forces increasing 2.6 kg each year that the tests were repeated.

Conclusions: 

Malocclusion has a detrimental effect on bite force. Changes in maximum bite force are also due to age, sex, and repeated testing.
The Potential of Using Exercise in Nature as an Intervention to Enhance Exercise Behavior: Results from a Pilot Study
Authors: Calogiuri Giovanna , Nordtug Hildegunn , Weydahl Andi
Published: September 2015

According to attention-restoration theory (ART), natural environments can provide restorative experiences. In this pilot study, a mixed-methods approach was used to examine the potential of using exercise in a natural environment to enhance exercise behaviors. The study included an assessment study and an intervention study (overall n = 19). The participants underwent a standardized exercise program including biking and circuit strength training, either indoors or outdoors in nature. Measurements included connectedness to nature, perceived exertion, perceived environmental restorativeness, enjoyment, affect, future exercise intention, and self-reported exercise behavior. The participants also wrote a brief text describing the way in which the environment influenced their feelings while exercising. Quantitative data were analyzed using the Spearman rank correlation and linear mixed-effects modeling. The qualitative information was analyzed thematically. The integrated results indicated that, in accordance with ART, exercising in nature was associated with a greater potential for restoration and affective responses, which in some participants led to enhanced intention to exercise and increased exercise behavior. However, some perceived that the indoor exercise provided a more effective workout. Further studies on larger samples are needed.
Sarantakos's Research on Same-Sex Parenting in Australia and New Zealand: Importance, Substance, and Corroboration with Research from the United States
Authors: Schumm Walter R.
Published: September 2015

Sarantakos (1996a) compared teacher ratings and other outcomes for the children of heterosexual married, heterosexual cohabiting, and homosexual parents and reported numerous significant, substantial differences. Few scholars have taken the effect sizes of his results into account or have considered his larger program of research. Sarantakos's research yielded many interesting findings with respect to children's academic performance, sexual orientation, use of alcohol and drugs, sexual deviance, and gender identity with respect to parents' parenting values, relationship stability, conflict, monogamy, and religiosity or moral values, many of which have been corroborated by U.S. or British research. In addition, the methodological quality of his research appears to be at least above average, especially for research done 20 or more years ago. He appears to have been unbiased with respect to same-sex families. His results disseminated via multiple publications should be taken into account in literature reviews concerning same-sex parenting.
Registration of the NyH (Ny821×H99) Maize Recombinant Inbred Mapping Population
Authors: Johnson James M. , Muttoni German , de Leon Natalia , Kaeppler Shawn M.
Published: September 2015

The Ny821×H99 (NyH) maize (Zea mays L.) mapping population (MP‐4, NSL 511548 MAP) is composed of 234 recombinant inbred lines (RILs). The population was developed from an initial cross between inbred lines Ny821 and H99 (PI 587129). The parents of this population were selected on the basis of variation for low phosphorus tolerance, with the parent with higher tolerance, Ny821, having a highly branched root system and the parent with lower tolerance, H99, having a simple root system. The population segregates for a number of agronomic traits, including plant height, ear height, leaf number, and flowering time. A genotype‐by‐sequencing approach was utilized to produce a high‐density genetic map. This population, coupled with the dense genetic marker map, is a useful resource for analysis of traits such as root architecture and abiotic stress tolerance.
American Cancer Society Colorectal Cancer Survivorship Care Guidelines
Authors: El‐Shami Khaled , Oeffinger Kevin C. , Erb Nicole L. , Willis Anne , Bretsch Jennifer K. , Pratt‐Chapman Mandi L. , Cannady Rachel S. , Wong Sandra L. , Rose Johnie , Barbour April L. , Stein Kevin D. , Sharpe Katherine B. , Brooks Durado D. , Cowens‐Alvarado Rebecca L.
Published: September 2015

Answer questions and earn CME/CNE

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most common cancer and third leading cause of cancer death in both men and women and second leading cause of cancer death when men and women are combined in the United States (US). Almost two‐thirds of CRC survivors are living 5 years after diagnosis. Considering the recent decline in both incidence and mortality, the prevalence of CRC survivors is likely to increase dramatically over the coming decades with the increase in rates of CRC screening, further advances in early detection and treatment and the aging and growth of the US population. Survivors are at risk for a CRC recurrence, a new primary CRC, other cancers, as well as both short‐term and long‐term adverse effects of the CRC and the modalities used to treat it. CRC survivors may also have psychological, reproductive, genetic, social, and employment concerns after treatment. Communication and coordination of care between the treating oncologist and the primary care clinician is critical to effectively and efficiently manage the long‐term care of CRC survivors. The guidelines in this article are intended to assist primary care clinicians in delivering risk‐based health care for CRC survivors who have completed active therapy.CA Cancer J Clin 2015;65:427–455. ©2015 American Cancer Society.
Does Scotland need its own Commercial Law?
Authors: Hodge Patrick S
Published: September 2015

In this article, Lord Hodge, Justice of the United Kingdom Supreme Court, draws on his long experience of commercial advocacy and of judicial office at both the Court of Session in Scotland and the Supreme Court in London, to ponder the question of whether Scotland continues to require a commercial law which is distinctive to that of other nations, in particular to that of England. Lord Hodge's evaluation of the question posed offers a mixed response: there is much of value in many of the solutions adopted by Scots commercial law, however law reformers, academics, and judges must be open to good things from elsewhere and must build bridges to make Scots commercial law accessible to those outside Scotland with whom Scotland does business.
Gender Imbalances, Economic Vulnerability and Cohabitation: Evaluating the Gendered Impact of Section 28 of the Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006
Authors: Garland Fae
Published: September 2015

Section 28 of the Family Law (Scotland) Act 2006 provides a system of financial provision for cohabitants upon separation that centres on redressing economic imbalances to ensure no-one is dramatically better or worse off financially than the other as a result of the relationship. Designed to be similar yet different to the marital regime, this section fundamentally sought to balance the need to protect the financially vulnerable against the need to respect the privacy of those who have chosen not to marry. Yet how far has s 28's balancing act protected the economically vulnerable in practice? Moreover, given that research has consistently demonstrated that it is women who are most frequently left in an economically vulnerable position upon separation, has s 28 reduced the gendered imbalances that can manifest themselves upon separation? To answer these questions, this article explores the gendered impact of s 28 and considers how effectively this section has operated in practice.
Transmissibility of Lease Conditions in Scots Law – A Doctrinal-Historical Analysis
Authors: Haughey David
Published: September 2015

This article examines the historical development of the rules applied by the Scottish courts to the transmission of terms in contracts of lease in cases where the original landlord sells the land to a new owner (a so-called “singular successor”). The relevant rules determine which terms of the contract of lease are regarded as “personal conditions”, binding only the original parties, and which are “real conditions” capable of binding singular successors as landlord. As the author demonstrates, the so-called “inter naturalia” approach which has often been applied by the courts to test transmissibility is defective; a revised approach is needed.
Fourfold Increase in Pumpkin Yield in Response to Low-Dosage Root Zone Application of Urine-Enhanced Biochar to a Fertile Tropical Soil
Authors: Schmidt Hans , Pandit Bishnu , Martinsen Vegard , Cornelissen Gerard , Conte Pellegrino , Kammann Claudia
Published: September 2015

A widely abundant and invasive forest shrub, Eupatorium adenophorum, was pyrolyzed in a cost-efficient flame curtain kiln to produce biochar. The resulting biochar fulfilled all the requirements for premium quality, according to the European Biochar Certificate. The biochar was either applied alone or mixed with fresh cow urine (1:1 volume) to test its capacity to serve as slow release fertilizer in a pumpkin field trial in Nepal. Treatments included cow-manure compost combined with (i) urine-only; (ii) biochar-only or (iii) urine-loaded biochar. All materials were applied directly to the root zone at a biochar dry matter content of 750 kg·ha−1 before seeding. The urine-biochar treatment led to a pumpkin yield of 82.6 t·ha−1, an increase of more than 300% compared with the treatment where only urine was applied, and an 85% increase compared with the biochar-only treatment. This study showed for the first time that a low-dosage root zone application of urine-enhanced biochar led to substantial yield increases in a fertile silt loam soil. This was tentatively explained by the formation of organic coating of inner pore biochar surfaces by the urine impregnation, which improved the capacity of the biochar to capture and exchange plant nutrients.
Amazonian Native Palm Fruits as Sources of Antioxidant Bioactive Compounds
Authors: Dos Santos Mary , Mamede Rosa , Rufino Maria , De Brito Edy , Alves Ricardo
Published: September 2015

The Amazon region has many sources of fruits, especially native ones not yet explored, but which have some potential for use, as is the case with certain palms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the content of bioactive compounds and total antioxidant capacities of fruits from native palms from the Brazilian Amazon. The fruits of five palm species (bacaba, buriti, inajá, pupunha, and tucumã) were evaluated for levels of ascorbic acid, anthocyanins, yellow flavonoids, total carotenoids, and total extractable polyphenols, as well as the total antioxidant capacities. The fruits had high contents of extractable total polyphenols, especially bacaba and tucumã (941.56 and 158.98 mg of galic acid·100g−1), total carotenoids in the case of tucumã and buriti (7.24 and 4.67 mg·100g−1), and anthocyanins in bacaba (80.76 mg·100g−1). As for the antioxidant capacity, bacaba had the highest total antioxidant activity by the Oxygen Radical Antioxidant Capacity (ORAC) (194.67 µM·Trolox·g−1), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) (47.46 g·pulp·g−1 DPPH), and β-carotene/linoleic acid (92.17% Oxidation Inhibition (O.I) methods. Bacaba phenolic profile revealed the presence of cyanidin-3-O-rutinoside and other flavonoids. The palm fruits studied can be considered good sources of bioactive compounds, some containing higher amounts than that of commonly consumed fruits. Total extractable polyphenols and anthocyanins were directly correlated to antioxidant activity in these fruits.
Mycosporine-Like Amino Acids and Their Derivatives as Natural Antioxidants
Authors: Wada Naoki , Sakamoto Toshio , Matsugo Seiichi
Published: September 2015

Mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) are water-soluble molecules that absorb UV-A and UV-B radiation and disperse the energy as heat. MAAs show great diversity in their molecular structures, which exhibit a range of molecular weights spanning 188 to 1050 Daltons. MAAs are utilized in a wide variety of organisms including prokaryotes and eukaryotic micro-organisms that inhabit aquatic, terrestrial, and marine environments. These features suggest that MAAs are stable and fundamental molecules that allow these organisms to live under UV irradiation. MAAs are thought to have been greatly important to ancient forms of life on Earth, functioning as a primary sunscreen to reduce short-wavelength light. Structurally different MAAs might have been developed in MAA-producing organisms during their environmental adaptation. Harmful irradiation directly damages biomolecules, including lipids, proteins and DNA, and induces oxidative stress through radical-propagating processes. Thus, MAAs are expected to play an additional role in the antioxidant system. This review focuses on MAAs with radical scavenging activities. To cover all the reported MAAs known thus far, we surveyed the CAS database and have summarized the structures and the chemical and physical properties of these MAAs, including their antioxidant activities.
Spatiotemporal Interpolation of Rainfall by Combining BME Theory and Satellite Rainfall Estimates
Authors: Shi Tingting , Yang Xiaomei , Christakos George , Wang Jinfeng , Liu Li
Published: September 2015

The accurate assessment of spatiotemporal rainfall variability is a crucial and challenging task in many hydrological applications, mainly due to the lack of a sufficient number of rain gauges. The purpose of the present study is to investigate the spatiotemporal variations of annual and monthly rainfall over Fujian province in China by combining the Bayesian maximum entropy (BME) method and satellite rainfall estimates. Specifically, based on annual and monthly rainfall data at 20 meteorological stations from 2000 to 2012, (1) the BME method with Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) estimates considered as soft data, (2) ordinary kriging (OK) and (3) cokriging (CK) were employed to model the spatiotemporal variations of rainfall in Fujian province. Subsequently, the performance of these methods was evaluated using cross-validation statistics. The results demonstrated that BME with TRMM as soft data (BME-TRMM) performed better than the other two methods, generating rainfall maps that represented the local rainfall disparities in a more realistic manner. Of the three interpolation (mapping) methods, the mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE) values of the BME-TRMM method were the smallest. In conclusion, the BME-TRMM method improved spatiotemporal rainfall modeling and mapping by integrating hard data and soft information. Lastly, the study identified new opportunities concerning the application of TRMM rainfall estimates.
Emotion Regulation in Adolescent Males with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Testing the Effects of Comorbid Conduct Disorder
Authors: Northover Clare , Thapar Anita , Langley Kate , Van Goozen Stephanie
Published: September 2015

Although attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has been linked to emotion dysregulation, few studies have experimentally investigated this whilst controlling for the effects of comorbid conduct disorder (CD). Economic decision-making games that assess how individuals respond to offers varying in fairness have been used to study emotion regulation. The present study compared adolescent boys with ADHD (n = 90), ADHD + CD (n = 94) and typical controls (n = 47) on the Ultimatum Game and examined the contribution of ADHD and CD symptom scores and callous and unemotional traits to acceptance levels of unfair offers. There were no significant differences in acceptance rates of fair and highly unfair offers between groups, and only boys with ADHD did not significantly differ from the controls. However, the subgroup of boys with ADHD and additional high levels of aggressive CD symptoms rejected significantly more ambiguous (i.e., moderately unfair) offers than any other subgroup, suggesting impaired emotion regulation in those with ADHD and aggressive CD. Correlations within the CD group showed that the rejection rate to moderately unfair offers was predicted by aggressive CD symptom severity, but not callous and unemotional traits. These findings highlight the fact that ADHD is a heterogeneous condition from an emotion regulation point of view.
Life-Cycle Energy Implications of Downtown High-Rise vs. Suburban Low-Rise Living: An Overview and Quantitative Case Study for Chicago
Authors: Du Peng , Wood Antony , Stephens Brent , Song Xiaoyu
Published: September 2015

It is commonly accepted that the concentration of people in high-density urban city centers, which are typically dominated by medium- and high-rise buildings located close to public transit systems, offers greater overall energy efficiency and lower life-cycle greenhouse gas emissions than lower-density expanded suburbs, which are dominated by low-rise single-family buildings and larger per-person automobile travel requirements. However, few studies have combined quantitative analyses of the life-cycle energy use of both buildings and transportation in both urban and suburban areas, especially in American cities. This work uses a variety of data sources to provide a quantitative comparison of the life-cycle energy consumption associated with residential life (including buildings, transportation, and supporting infrastructure) in prototypical downtown high-rises and suburban low-rises in and around Chicago, IL. We estimate that downtown high-rise living in Chicago, IL accounts for approximately 25% more life-cycle energy per person per year than suburban low-rise living, on average, contrary to some common beliefs (best estimates were ~141 and ~113 GJ/person/year, respectively). Building operational energy use was found to be the largest contributor of the total life-cycle energy in both the downtown high-rise and suburban low-rise cases, followed by vehicle operational energy.
Climate Action Gaming Experiment: Methods and Example Results
Authors: Singer Clifford , Matchett Leah
Published: September 2015

An exercise has been prepared and executed to simulate international interactions on policies related to greenhouse gases and global albedo management. Simulation participants are each assigned one of six regions that together contain all of the countries in the world. Participants make quinquennial policy decisions on greenhouse gas emissions, recapture of CO2 from the atmosphere, and/or modification of the global albedo. Costs of climate change and of implementing policy decisions impact each region’s gross domestic product. Participants are tasked with maximizing economic benefits to their region while nearly stabilizing atmospheric CO2 concentrations by the end of the simulation in Julian year 2195. Results are shown where regions most adversely affected by effects of greenhouse gas emissions resort to increases in the earth’s albedo to reduce net solar insolation. These actions induce temperate region countries to reduce net greenhouse gas emissions. An example outcome is a trajectory to the year 2195 of atmospheric greenhouse emissions and concentrations, sea level, and global average temperature.
Wavelet Entropy Automatically Detects Episodes of Atrial Fibrillation from Single-Lead Electrocardiograms
Authors: Ródenas Juan , García Manuel , Alcaraz Raúl , Rieta José
Published: September 2015

This work introduces for the first time the application of wavelet entropy (WE) to detect episodes of the most common cardiac arrhythmia, atrial fibrillation (AF), automatically from the electrocardiogram (ECG). Given that AF is often asymptomatic and usually presents very brief initial episodes, its early automatic detection is clinically relevant to improve AF treatment and prevent risks for the patients. After discarding noisy TQ intervals from the ECG, the WE has been computed over the median TQ segment obtained from the 10 previous noise-free beats under study. In this way, the P-waves or the fibrillatory waves present in the recording were highlighted or attenuated, respectively, thus enabling the patient’s rhythm identification (sinus rhythm or AF). Results provided a discriminant ability of about 95%, which is comparable to previous works. However, in contrast to most of them, which are mainly based on quantifying RR series variability, the proposed algorithm is able to deal with patients under rate-control therapy or with a reduced heart rate variability during AF. Additionally, it also presents interesting properties, such as the lowest delay in detecting AF or sinus rhythm, the ability to detect episodes as brief as five beats in length or its integration facilities under real-time beat-by-beat ECG monitoring systems. Consequently, this tool may help clinicians in the automatic detection of a wide variety of AF episodes, thus gaining further knowledge about the mechanisms initiating this arrhythmia.
Economic Development in Southeast Asia
Authors: Dapice David
Published: September 2015

Most of the original ASEAN nations in Southeast Asia came out of the Asian Crisis facing slower growth (4%–6% a year) and modest structural change compared to previous decades. [...]
Phase-Shifted Carrier Pulse Width Modulation Based on Particle Swarm Optimization for Cascaded H-bridge Multilevel Inverters with Unequal DC Voltages
Authors: Cai Xin-Jian , Wu Zhen-Xing , Li Quan-Feng , Wang Shu-Xiu
Published: September 2015

High-voltage cascaded H-bridge multilevel (CHBML) inverters usually include many isolated dc voltage sources. Some dc source faults result in a drop in the dc voltage, thereby leading to unequal cell dc voltages. On the other hand, the differences in cell dc source parameters result in unequal dc voltages too. At present, riding through the faults of dc sources and operating under the condition of unequal dc voltages are required to improve the reliability of CHBML inverters. Unfortunately, the conventional phase-shifted carrier pulse width modulation (PSCPWM), which is widely used for CHBML inverters, cannot eliminate low-frequency sideband harmonics when cell dc voltages are not equal. This paper analyzes the principle of sideband harmonic elimination, and proposes an improved PSCPWM based on the particle swarm optimization algorithm. This modulation technique eliminates low-frequency sideband harmonics by calculating and regulating the carrier phases according to different cell dc voltages. The proposed PSCPWM enhances the reliability of the CHBML inverter and extends the range of its application. Simulation and experimental results obtained from the prototype of the CHBML inverter verify the theoretical analysis and the achievements made in this paper.
Considering the Practical Rationality of Experimental Operation in Developing Countries: Reality and Challenges under a Rigid Community Forestry System in Cambodia
Authors: Kurashima Takayuki , Matsuura Toshiya , Miyamoto Asako , Sano Makoto , Chann Sophal
Published: September 2015

Influential stakeholders have highlighted many constraints inherent in conventional scientific forest management plans for community forestry (CF) and presented simpler alternatives. Nevertheless, some developing countries continue to use rigid, complex and high-cost plans and regulations. This article considers two issues: (1) why heavily-regulated or rigid CF systems were originally introduced and why they continue to be used in developing countries despite critiques and counterproposals; and (2) under what circumstances will such CF systems face an impasse, and what can be done to resolve the situation. Using Cambodia as a case study, we examine the development of a rigid CF system, review negative factors influencing the upland forested area, clarify the unfavorable situations arising from these factors and discuss likely problems associated with the CF management system. International organizations played a key role in the introduction and maintenance of rigid, complex and high-cost CF systems in Cambodia. Conflicts and crises arise when the administration prosecutes local farmers for illegal cultivation or deprives communities of CF management rights because of the expansion of commercial crop cultivation and the lack of adequate community management in response to unprecedented changes. A likely practical solution to the probable impasse is the development and funding of a functional network of CF management committees, rather than the adoption of an entirely new, alternative system.
Evaluation of Antioxidant Properties in Cereals: Study of Some Traditional Italian Wheats
Authors: Durazzo Alessandra , Casale Gaetana , Melini Valentina , Maiani Giuseppe , Acquistucci Rita
Published: September 2015

Whole grain cereals contain a wide range of phytochemicals and it is often difficult to ascribe protective effects on metabolic health to any one particular constituent. The interactions among bioactive components, which contribute highly to the total antioxidant capacity of cereals, represent the first step in the evaluation of food potential health benefits. This research focused on the determination of antioxidant properties in grains and whole flours of some traditional Italian wheats. Results showed that hydrolysable polyphenols in grains are 85% of total polyphenols and contribute 95% of the total antioxidant properties, which indicates that hydrolysable polyphenols represent an important fraction of polyphenols in cereals. The distinction between extractable and non-extractable antioxidants was shown to be of paramount importance for an adequate determination of antioxidant capacity in cereals and represents a key element in the definition of potential nutritional value of the food matrix under consideration.
Ecology and Evolution of the Human Microbiota: Fire, Farming and Antibiotics
Authors: Gillings Michael , Paulsen Ian , Tetu Sasha
Published: September 2015

Human activities significantly affect all ecosystems on the planet, including the assemblages that comprise our own microbiota. Over the last five million years, various evolutionary and ecological drivers have altered the composition of the human microbiota, including the use of fire, the invention of agriculture, and the increasing availability of processed foods after the Industrial Revolution. However, no factor has had a faster or more direct effect than antimicrobial agents. Biocides, disinfectants and antibiotics select for individual cells that carry resistance genes, immediately reducing both overall microbial diversity and within-species genetic diversity. Treated individuals may never recover their original diversity, and repeated treatments lead to a series of genetic bottlenecks. The sequential introduction of diverse antimicrobial agents has selected for increasingly complex DNA elements that carry multiple resistance genes, and has fostered their spread through the human microbiota. Practices that interfere with microbial colonization, such as sanitation, Caesarian births and bottle-feeding, exacerbate the effects of antimicrobials, generating species-poor and less resilient microbial assemblages in the developed world. More and more evidence is accumulating that these perturbations to our internal ecosystems lie at the heart of many diseases whose frequency has shown a dramatic increase over the last half century.
The Question of “Solidarity” in Postcolonial Trauma Fiction: Beyond the Recognition Principle
Authors: Dalley Hamish
Published: September 2015

Dominant theorizations of cultural trauma often appeal to the twinned notions of “recognition” and “solidarity”, suggesting that by inviting readers to recognize distant suffering, trauma narratives enable forms of cross-cultural solidarity to emerge. This paper explores and critiques that argument with reference to postcolonial literature. It surveys four areas of postcolonial trauma, examining works that narrate traumatic experiences of the colonized, colonizers, perpetrators and proletarians. It explores how novelists locate traumatic affects in the body, and suggests that Frantz Fanon’s model of racial trauma in Black Skin, White Masks and The Wretched of the Earth remains essential for the interpretation of postcolonial texts, including those to which it is not usually applied. The analysis further reveals tensions between different texts’ appeals for recognition, and suggests that these tensions problematize the claim that solidarity will emerge from sympathetic engagement with trauma victims. As such, the paper makes three key arguments: first, that trauma offers a productive ground for comparing postcolonial fiction; second, that comparison uncovers problems for theorists attempting to “decolonize” trauma studies; and third, that trauma theory needs to be supplemented with systemic material analyses of particular contexts if it is not to obfuscate what makes postcolonial traumas distinct.
Infectious Diseases, Urbanization and Climate Change: Challenges in Future China
Authors: Tong Michael , Hansen Alana , Hanson-Easey Scott , Cameron Scott , Xiang Jianjun , Liu Qiyong , Sun Yehuan , Weinstein Philip , Han Gil-Soo , Williams Craig , Bi Peng
Published: September 2015

China is one of the largest countries in the world with nearly 20% of the world’s population. There have been significant improvements in economy, education and technology over the last three decades. Due to substantial investments from all levels of government, the public health system in China has been improved since the 2003 severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) outbreak. However, infectious diseases still remain a major population health issue and this may be exacerbated by rapid urbanization and unprecedented impacts of climate change. This commentary aims to explore China’s current capacity to manage infectious diseases which impair population health. It discusses the existing disease surveillance system and underscores the critical importance of strengthening the system. It also explores how the growing migrant population, dramatic changes in the natural landscape following rapid urbanization, and changing climatic conditions can contribute to the emergence and re-emergence of infectious disease. Continuing research on infectious diseases, urbanization and climate change may inform the country’s capacity to deal with emerging and re-emerging infectious diseases in the future.
Mental and Physical Symptoms of Female Rural Workers: Relation between Household and Rural Work
Authors: Cezar-Vaz Marta , Bonow Clarice , Da Silva Mara
Published: September 2015

This study aimed to investigate the relations among mental disorders, physical discomfort, household work and farm work among women. We conducted a cross-sectional study based on the administration of a structured questionnaire to 182 female farm workers. The data were analyzed by means of Poisson regression, where the significance level was set to 5%. Results indicated that 111 (61%) participants reported work-related mental disorders and physical discomfort was reported by 160 (87.9%). The participants with mental disorders and at least moderate levels of physical discomfort reported significantly higher levels of physical demand, time working (temporal demand), total effort and frustration with regard to farm work, in addition to significantly higher levels of frustration with regard to housework. Women with moderate or greater levels of both physical discomfort and frustration with farm work increased the chances of mental disorders. The results illustrate the complex challenge for health professionals in caring for women with mental disorders and physical discomforts related to their farm work, in the context of both the farm and domestic work demands these workers experience.
Depression, Anxiety and Symptoms of Stress among Hong Kong Nurses: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Cheung Teris , Yip Paul
Published: September 2015

Recent epidemiological data suggests 13.3% of Hong Kong residents suffered from Common Mental Disorders, most frequently mixed anxiety and depressive disorder. This study examines the weighted prevalence and associated risk factors of depression, anxiety and stress among Hong Kong nurses. A total of 850 nurses were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study. Participants completed the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 and multiple logistic regression was used to determine significant relationships between variables. Chronic past-year illness and poor self-perceived mental health were significant correlates of past-week depression, anxiety and stress. It confirmed further positive correlations between depression and divorce, widowhood and separation, job dissatisfaction, disturbance with colleagues, low physical activity levels and sleep problems. Marital status; general medicine; sleep problems, and a lack of leisure significantly correlated with anxiety. Stress was significantly associated with younger age, clinical inexperience, past-year disturbance with colleagues, low physical activity, no leisure and drinking alcohol. Nurses were more depressed, anxious and stressed than the local general population, with over one-third of our respondents classified as subject to these disorders.