bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intergenerational learning in a high school environment
Authors: Alfano Christopher J
Published: June 2008

Active living and continuing learning are important to the well-being of seniors. As the generation of so-called baby boomers approach retirement, the same public schools built to accommodate their compulsory schooling are now being considered as sites for intergenerational learning. This article explores one such project where seniors learning alongside adolescents work together in music performance, creating new types of relationships and learning practices.
Identity formation through participation in the Rochester New Horizons Band programme
Authors: Dabback William M
Published: June 2008

Results of this qualitative study suggest that membership in the Rochester New Horizons Band programme provides an important vehicle for identity construction and revision in later life. Identities emerge from and are shaped by the social interactions among members in the ensemble setting. Players form new musical identities, reclaim identities that were important in their youth, or revise existing identities by taking up new, social instruments. These musical identities are distinguished not merely by the acquisition of musical skills, but also by the adoption of roles as valuable contributors to a larger musical ensemble. The approval and encouragement of significant others appears to confirm and reinforce musical identity, regardless of whether those others are themselves musicians. Members also use social interaction to negotiate identities as healthy, productive older people. Communal engagement provides structure for time and a new sense of purpose, and it contributes to physical, mental and spiritual health.
En busca de la utopa: los Estudios Ibricos, puente o frontera? / In search of utopia: Iberian studies as bridge or frontier
Authors: Bans Enrique
Published: June 2008

Iberian Studies pose a fascinating problem from the point of view of hermeneutics the study of theories of how to understand matters from another's point of view. Given its vocation of building bridges, Iberian Studies have to face the problem that pre-judices and the history
of any academic discipline weigh heavily on such an undertaking. An uncontaminated, unprejudiced position is neither possible nor desirable. Together with a close examination of such pre-judices and their action of transmitting knowledge about otherness, this article offers a reflection
around the possibility of Iberian Studies as a science of mediation.

Los estudios ibricos plantean un apasionante problema desde el punto de vista de la hermenutica el estudio de las teoras de como entender los asuntos desde el punto de vista del otro. Dada su vocacin de tender puentes,
los estudios ibricos se enfrentan a la problemtica de que los pre-juicios y la historia de cualquier disciplina acadmica tienen un peso importante en esa tarea. La asepsia, la posicin no-contaminada, no slo es imposible, sino tambin indeseable. Junto a una descripcin detallada de la
estructura de esos pre-juicios y de su accin en la transmisin de los conocimientos sobre una alteridad, el artculo ofrece tambin una reflexin en torno a las posibilidades para una ciencia de mediacin como son los estudios ibricos.
Outstanding challenges in a post-equality era: The same-sex marriage and gender identity laws in Spain
Authors: Platero Raquel
Published: June 2008

Spain has captured international attention with regards to equality for sexual minorities, recently approving laws that allow same-sex couples to marry under the same conditions as different-sex couples (Law 13/2005) and that allow transgender people to change their name in the register
without having to go through compulsory surgery (Law 3/2007). Using intersectionality as a framework for my analysis, I explore the limitations of the notion of equality in both legal texts by adding an analysis that includes not only sexuality, but also gender, ethnicity, age, and class.
Both laws aimed at satisfying the demands of social movements and were designed to overcome inequality and have a relevant symbolic impact. Despite this, it is argued, they were not framed to transform society in depth. Both laws are contributing to reproduce inequality by not taking into
account multiple discriminations.
Comparando los inicios de la historiografa social espaola y francesa
Authors: Llorens Roberto Ceamanos
Published: June 2008

Comparing the beginnings of Spanish and French Social Historiography. This commentary examines the origins of Spanish and French social historiography showing how they had common features despite evolving at different rates and intensities, and embodying two different approaches to
the labour world. The first approach was that of liberal professionals who examined the working class motivated by their concern for what was called the social question. The second, fundamental approach until well into the twentieth century was that of the militant authors in other words,
authors who were linked to the labour movement itself. For a long time this militant legacy could be seen in a type of history that was marked by an epic view of events, whose interpretation contained strong political implications. The advent of the Spanish Civil War checked this evolution
and had markedly different effects on the development of the two lines of labour history research in each country.
The Long-Term Stock Market Valuation of Customer Satisfaction
Authors: Aksoy Lerzan , Cooil Bruce , Groening Christopher , Keiningham Timothy L. , Yalçın Atakan
Published: June 2008

Firm valuation has been an important domain of interest for finance. However, most financial models do not include customer-related metrics in this process. Studies in marketing have found that one particular customer metric, customer satisfaction, improves the ability to predict future cash flows, long-term financial measures, stock performance, and shareholder value. However, most of these studies predominantly employ models that are not directly used in finance practice. This article extends existing literature by examining the impact of customer satisfaction on firm valuation by employing multiples and risk-adjusted abnormal return models borrowed directly from the practice of finance. Data include 3600 firm-quarter observations from the American Customer Satisfaction Index, COMPUSTAT, and Center for Research in Securities Prices databases from 1996 to 2006. The results indicate that a portfolio of stocks consisting of firms with high levels and positive changes in customer satisfaction will outperform the other three possible portfolio combinations (low levels and negative changes, low levels and positive changes, and high levels and negative changes in customer satisfaction) along with Standard & Poor's 500. Initially, the stock market undervalues positive satisfaction information, but the market adjusts in the long run.
Intergranular and Interphase Constraints in Zirconium Alloys
Authors: Holt R. A. , Daymond M. R. , Xu F. , Cai S.
Published: June 2008

We report the development of intergranular and interphase constraints in textured Zircaloy-2, Zr-2.5Nb, and Excel alloy during room temperature tension and compression loading in two or three directions relative to the parent texture. Neutron diffraction was used to track the lattice strain development in the α-phase (all alloys) and β-phase (Zr-2.5Nb and Excel) in three principal directions relative to the parent texture. Zircaloy-2 at room temperature is essentially single phase hcp αZr. The active deformation mechanisms appear to be, in order of increasing critical resolved shear stress, prism (a) slip, basal (a) slip, tensile twinning and pyramidal (c+a) slip. No compressive twinning was observed. Combined with intergranular constraints due to prior thermal treatment, these mechanisms result in substantial asymmetry in the yield stress and lattice strain development (compression versus tension). In Zr-2.5 Nb and Excel, the α-phase appears to deform by the same slip mechanisms as Zircaloy-2, and similar assymmetry of the yield stress and lattice strain development is observed. However, the existence of tensile twinning is not clearly evidenced. The β-phase also deforms by slip, but the critical resolved shear stress is much higher than that for the slip mechanisms in the α-phase, leading to the development of very large interphase constraints in the plastic deformation regime. This is attributed to a combination of solution strengthening of the β-phase (by Nb and, in Excel, Mo) and by grain size.
Effects of Coal Clinkers on Physical and Mechanical Properties of the Briquettes
Authors: Kocaman Israfil , Burak Sisman Can , Gezer Erhan
Published: June 2008

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of coal clinker used in briquette production on physical and mechanical properties of briquettes. To do this, seven briquette classes were formed by changing the volume of coal clinker and all-in aggregates and porous briquettes were produced for each class according to Turkish Codex no. 406 (TS 406) and tested. Increasing ratio of coal clinker volume affected the compressive strength and water absorption of the briquettes negatively. As for the dimensional changes, bulk densities, losses due to freezing-thawing, and heat conductivity decreased and were affected positively. It was concluded that coal clinkers might be used in briquette production in certain ratio to make them profitable and lessen their adverse effects on the environment.
Effects of Prenatal Cocaine Exposure on Special Education in School-Aged Children
Authors: Levine Todd P. , Liu Jing , Das Abhik , Lester Barry , Lagasse Linda , Shankaran Seetha , Bada Henrietta S. , Bauer Charles R. , Higgins Rosemary
Published: June 2008

OBJECTIVE. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on special education at age 7 with adjustment for covariates.

METHODS. As part of the prospective, longitudinal, multisite study of children with prenatal cocaine exposure (Maternal Lifestyle Study), school records were reviewed for 943 children at 7 years to determine involvement in special education outcomes: (1) individualized education plan; (2) special education conditions; (3) support services; (4) special education classes; and (5) speech and language services. Logistic regression was used to examine the effect of prenatal cocaine exposure on these outcomes with environmental, maternal, and infant medical variables as covariates, as well as with and without low child IQ.

RESULTS. Complete data for each analysis model were available for 737 to 916 children. When controlling for covariates including low child IQ, prenatal cocaine exposure had a significant effect on individualized education plan. When low child IQ was not included in the model, prenatal cocaine exposure had a significant effect on support services. Male gender, low birth weight, white race, and low child IQ also predicted individualized education plan. Low birth weight and low child IQ were significant in all models. White race was also significant in speech and language services. Other covariate effects were model specific. When included in the models, low child IQ accounted for more of the variance and changed the significance of other covariates.

CONCLUSIONS. Prenatal cocaine exposure increased the likelihood of receiving an individualized education plan and support services, with adjustment for covariates. Low birth weight and low child IQ increased the likelihood of all outcomes. The finding that white children were more likely to get an individualized education plan and speech and language services could indicate a greater advantage in getting educational resources for this population.
Electric Control on the Nanoscale Using Tubular Image States
Authors: Segal Dvira , Král Petr , Shapiro Moshe
Published: June 2008

We discuss the use of Tubular Image States (TIS) of electrons in the vicinity of nanotubes as a new vehicle for controlling and optically addressing nanoscale devices. We show that the stability of the TIS arises from the interplay between the attractive image potentials and the repulsive centrifugal potentials arising from the rotation of the electron about the cylindrically shaped nanotubes. We discuss the theory and some of the potential applications of TIS, and, in particular, the trapping of a single electron by a quadrupole made up of four nanotubes in the so‐called “nano‐Paul trap” configuration.
Molecular Dynamics of Methylamine Following CH and NH Vibrational Excitation and Promotion to the Ã State
Authors: Golan Amir , Rosenwaks Salman , Bar Ilana
Published: June 2008

The molecular dynamics of methylamine, CH3NH2, was investigated via vibrationally mediated photodissociation. It was found that the ∼243.1 nm photolysis of initially excited N–H and C–H fundamental stretches and combinations and overtones of methyl deformation yields H photofragments. Surprisingly, the deformations promote the H atom release more effectively, implying mode‐dependent enhancement of photodissociation in a relatively large molecule with a torsional degree of freedom. The H Doppler profiles correspond to low translational energies, supporting the dominant non‐adiabatic N–H dissociation channel.
An Analysis of Two Liquid‐State Adaptive Feedback Experiments
Authors: Brumer Paul , Hoki Kunihito , Spanner Michael
Published: June 2008

Adaptive feedback experiments, which provide an engineering oriented approach to optimizing a desired target in a molecular process, have been extensively developed over the past decade. Efforts to extract the control mechanisms that underlie the observed control have, however, only recently begun in earnest. We describe the results of the analyses of two liquid state adaptive feedback experiments, showing that the resultant control takes little advantage of coherent quantum effects.
Excited State Structural Dynamics of the Charge Transfer State of Peridinin
Authors: Van Tassle Aaron J. , Prantil Matthew A. , Hiller Roger G. , Fleming Graham R.
Published: June 2008

We present infrared and visible transient absorption measurements of the first excited singlet state (S1 and S1/ICT) of peridinin in methanol, isopropanol, and chloroform solution following one‐photon excitation, using 490 nm light, to excite the S2 state that populates S1 via rapid (∼50 fs in methanol) internal conversion. This technique enables the study of subsequent structural dynamics in S1 involved in the formation of the charge transfer state. The S1 lifetime of peridinin in methanol, isopropanol, and chloroform is found to be 12, 54, and 65 ps, respectively, as determined by infrared transient absorption. We observe two formation timescales in the S1 state. We attribute the shortest timescale to relaxation following internal conversion and the longer timescale to formation of the S1/ICT state.
Simulations of Extreme Ionization and Electron Dynamics in Ultraintense Laser–Cluster Interactions
Authors: Heidenreich Andreas , Last Isidore , Jortner Joshua
Published: June 2008

We present a molecular dynamics (MD) simulation code for the exploration of extreme multielectron ionization and attosecond–femtosecond electron dynamics in elemental and molecular clusters driven by ultraintense (peak intensity IM= 1015–1016W cm−2), ultrafast (temporal pulse widths τ = 10–100 fs), near infrared (photon frequency 0.35 fs−1) laser fields. Validity conditions are presented for the applicability of classical MD simulations to high‐energy electron dynamics, which rest on the localization of the wave packet and the distinguishability of identical particles. We also examine the cluster size domain for the applicability of the MD simulation code where the laser intensity is uniform inside the cluster.
High‐throughput enzyme kinetics using microarrays
Authors: Lu Guoxin , Yeung Edward S.
Published: June 2008

We report a microanalytical method to study enzyme kinetics. The technique involves immobilizing horseradish peroxidase on a poly‐L‐lysine (PLL)‐coated glass slide in a microarray format, followed by applying substrate solution onto the enzyme microarray. Enzyme molecules are immobilized on the PLL‐coated glass slide through electrostatic interactions, and no further modification of the enzyme or glass slide is needed. In situ detection of the products generated on the enzyme spots is made possible by monitoring the light intensity of each spot using a scientific‐grade charged‐coupled device (CCD). Reactions of substrate solutions of various types and concentrations can be carried out sequentially on one enzyme microarray. To account for the loss of enzyme from washing in between runs, a standard substrate solution is used for calibration. Substantially reduced amounts of substrate solution are consumed for each reaction on each enzyme spot. The Michaelis constant Km obtained by using this method is comparable to the result for homogeneous solutions. Absorbance detection allows universal monitoring, and no chemical modification of the substrate is needed. High‐throughput studies of native enzyme kinetics for multiple enzymes are therefore possible in a simple, rapid, and low‐cost manner.
Tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy reveals rich nanoscale adsorption chemistry of 2‐mercaptopyridine on Ag
Authors: Zhang Weihua , Schmid Thomas , Yeo Boon Slang , Zenobi Renato
Published: June 2008

Adsorption of 2‐mercatopyridine (2MPy) on Ag surfaces was studied by tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS), which allows the measurement of Raman spectra with nanometer scale spatial resolution on flat surfaces that themselves do not show any surface‐enhancement Raman scattering (SERS) activity. We found that the adsorption behavior of 2MPy was affected by the parameters of the preparation for the adsorbate layers, i.e., solution concentration, solution volume, and the exposure time. Besides that, variation of the TERS spectra at randomly chosen sample positions was observed. Only some of the bands appearing in SERS experiments showed up in each TERS measurement. We propose that this is caused by different local adsorption behavior of 2MPy on the Ag surfaces. This observation perfectly demonstrates the advantage of TERS over SERS, i.e., TERS can give localized chemical information on the nanometer scale, whereas SERS can only afford average spectra with micrometer scale resolution. Finally, TERS mapping with a spatial resolution of 24 nm was demonstrated.
Aging effects in analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon aerosols
Authors: Bulatov Valery , Gridin Vladimir V. , Fisher Michal , Sluszny Chanan , Schechter Israel
Published: June 2008

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) aerosols undergo time‐dependent processes such as various aging effects and material loss due to sublimation. Therefore, when their analysis is delayed, the results may not properly represent the true environmental composition as sampled. Moreover, even when fast analysis is performed, one may still be interested in the initial concentration of these aerosols, at the moment of their formation. In both cases, a characterization of the time dependence of aerosol mass losses and other possible modifications is of interest. In this study we monitored these time‐dependent processes for three different PAH aerosol particulates (anthracene, perylene, and pyrene). We applied two experimental techniques: Fourier transform spectral imaging microscopy (FT‐SIM) and traditional HPLC analysis. The former provided a full fluorescence spectrum at each pixel of the particulate, as well as PAH identification and quantification. The chemical imaging information was also used for morphological characterization of the PAH aerosols, which was applied for developing of a simple mathematical model. The effect of the time‐delay upon the actual aerosol mass can thus be estimated. The original (as‐formed or as‐sampled) aerosol mass can be calculated using the proposed empirical model.
Large time‐step, fast‐switching free energy calculations with non‐symplectic integrators
Authors: Oberhofer Harald , Dellago Christoph
Published: June 2008

In recent work (Lechner et al.,J. Chem. Phys.124, 044113 (2006)) we have shown how to generalize Jarzynski's fast switching method for the computation of free energy differences to large time‐step trajectories. Although such trajectories mimic the true time evolution of the system only approximately, the resulting free energies are exact. The large time‐step approach, which can lead to considerable efficiency increases, is particularly simple for phase space volume conserving algorithms such as the velocity Verlet integrator. In this paper we explore the consequences of using non‐symplectic integration algorithms, which do not conserve phase space volume, in fast switching simulations. We find that if the phase space volume expansion or contraction is taken into account properly, the large time‐step approach remains valid and may yield considerable efficiency improvements. If, however, the change in phase space volume caused by the integration algorithm is simply neglected, serious inaccuracies of the free energy estimate may arise, particularly for large system sizes.
Resonance theory of electromagnetically induced transparency: The effect of structured multi‐continua
Authors: Shapiro Moshe
Published: June 2008

We present a comprehensive theory of Electromagnetically Induced Transparency (EIT) based on the overlapping resonances perspective and explore the consequence of the presence of structured multiple continua on the EIT effect. We show that due to the structure in the continuum (which can also be induced optically) the EIT line shapes may become highly asymmetric.
Pirouetting in chiral [2]catenanes
Authors: Kang Seogshin , Aprahamian Ivan , Stoddart J. Fraser
Published: June 2008

One of the best known classes of mechanically interlocked molecules is the category of [2]catenanes, which exhibit donor‐acceptor interactions between the 1,5‐dioxynaphthalene (DNP) units in a crown ether and the bipyridinium units in the tetracationic cyclophane, cyclobis(paraquat‐p‐phenylene) (CBPQT4+). In order to gain an in‐depth understanding and appreciation of the stereochemistry and dynamic behavior of these [2]catenanes, chiral analogues—having both the DNP ring, which is capable of displaying planar chirality, and the axially chiral binaphthol (BINAP) moiety (as both enantiomers and as the racemic modification), in a crown ether, in addition to the CBPQT4+ cyclophane—have been synthesized using a template‐directed protocol. Dynamic 1H NMR spectroscopy shows that (i) the presence of immutable axial chirality, arising from the BINAP moiety in the crown ether component, leads to no induction of diastereoselectivity—the chiral catenanes exist as a mixture of diastereoisomers in solution at low temperatures in the approximate ratio of 1:1, (ii) the barrier (ΔGcD̊) to the interconversion between these two diastereoisomers is 7.9 ± 0.1 kcal mol−1 at 171 K, and (iii) no induction of diastereoselectivity is observed upon the addition of a chiral solvating agent to the chrial catenanes. The pattern of behavior in the variable temperature 1H NMR spectra and the low ΔTGcD̊ value indicates that the dynamic process involving the interconversion between these two diastereoisomers is one of a pirouetting nature. Of the four possible diastereoisomers, only two, (R)‐(pR/pS) or (S)‐(pR/pS), are shown to exist in solution.
Group Interventions for Men Who Batter: A Summary of Program Descriptions and Research
Authors: Saunders Daniel G.
Published: June 2008

This article provides a summary of the latest research on men’s group interventions for men who batter their intimate partners. The major components of current programs are described, along with studies on treatment effectiveness. Evidence for the effectiveness of treatment combined with a coordinated community response is also presented. Several related topics are covered, in particular methods for enhancing treatment motivation and culturally competent practice.
Individual Treatment of Intimate Partner Violence Perpetrators
Authors: Murphy Christopher M. , Meis Laura A.
Published: June 2008

This article outlines a rationale for investigating the individual (one-on-one) treatment format and individualized (case-tailored) services for partner abuse perpetrators. Many state standards caution against or prohibit individual services in abuser intervention. However, initial research indicates that motivational interviewing, conducted individually, can increase abusive clients’ engagement in the change process. Challenges of using the group format in treatment development are discussed along with potential benefits of individual treatment for this population. Notably, individual treatment can be adapted to the client’s stage of change, can address a range of presenting concerns (such as substance abuse and mood disorders) that may influence outcome, and can be used to focus clinical attention on case-specific change targets while avoiding potentially negative and antisocial peer influences in the group format. Nevertheless, individual treatment has been almost entirely ignored to date in clinical research with this population.
Couples Treatment for Interpersonal Violence: A Review of Outcome Research Literature and Current Clinical Practices
Authors: McCollum Eric E. , Stith Sandra M.
Published: June 2008

Conjoint couples treatment for interpersonal partner violence (IPV) remains controversial despite a growing body of research and practice experience indicating that it can be effective and safe. In addition, developing typologies of couples who are violent suggest that a “one-size-fits-all” treatment approach to IPV is not appropriate and conjoint treatment may have a place in the treatment of at least some couples. In this article, we review the experimental studies and clinical practices of conjoint treatment. Based on this review, we suggest current best practices for this approach to treatment. Best practices include couples treatment as part of a larger community response to IPV, careful screening of couples for inclusion in couples treatment, modification of typical conjoint approaches to promote safety and ongoing assessment of safety with contingency plans for increased risk.
Child Abuse in the Context of Domestic Violence: Prevalence, Explanations, and Practice Implications
Authors: Jouriles Ernest N. , McDonald Renee , Smith Slep Amy M. , Heyman Richard E. , Garrido Edward
Published: June 2008

This article addresses the following questions: (a) How common is child abuse among domestically violent families? (b) Are there specific patterns of child abuse among domestically violent families? (c) What may explain occurrences of child abuse in domestically violent families? (d) How might domestic violence affect treatment for child abuse? We review research on child abuse in the context of domestic violence. We discuss implications of this research for service-delivery programs for domestically violent families.
Substance Abuse by Men in Partner Abuse Intervention Programs: Current Issues and Promising Trends
Authors: Bennett Larry W.
Published: June 2008

This article discusses key studies linking intervention for co-occurring substance abuse and partner abuse. Findings are grouped into three areas: (a) the effect of addictions treatment on partner violence; (b) application of transtheoretical, motivational, and culturally focused approaches to improve engagement and prevent attrition; and (c) assessment-based matching of services. Finally, the relative value of serial, coordinated, and integrated substance abuse programs and partner abuse intervention programs are considered. We reached three primary conclusions: (a) Addiction treatment alone reduces the risk for future domestic violence in a subset of men who batter, (b) screening and assessment for substance abuse by all men in partner abuse intervention programs is a standard of practice but needs to extend beyond “intake” and occur periodically, and (c) coordinated and integrated substance abuse and domestic violence programs probably offer more safety than traditional serial substance abuse treatment followed by partner abuse intervention.
Explaining Antigay Violence Using Target Congruence: An Application of Revised Routine Activities Theory
Authors: Waldner Lisa K. , Berg Jillian
Published: June 2008

This research examines predictors of antigay violence (physical assault, sexual assault, and property damage) using Finkelhor and Asdigian’s (1996) revised routine activities theory, which predicts that target congruence increases victimization risk. Results indicate about half of the sample experienced at least one type of victimization, while 25% experienced two or more types. Physical violence was the most common type of antigay victimization, with property damage and sexual assault occurring less often. Having a higher level of contact with gay/lesbian organizations and being out of the closet or open about sexual orientation increases the risk of both physical assault and property damage. More frequent drinking to intoxication also increases the risk of antigay-motivated physical assault. The sexual assault model was not significant. Implications for future research and prevention are discussed.
The Significance of the Victim Advocate for Domestic Violence Victims in Municipal Court
Authors: Camacho Christina M. , Alarid Leanne Fiftal
Published: June 2008

Previous research has examined factors that influence felony case prosecution in domestic violence cases, but few have analyzed how victim participation, or lack thereof, may affect the defendant’s case outcome in misdemeanors. This study used 384 municipal cases from a specialized domestic violence court to examine the role of the victim advocate and variables that had an impact on victim participation with prosecution and case disposition. To ensure that decisions in all cases were consistent, all decision makers in the sample involved the same group: the court advocate, prosecutor, and judge. The analysis found that victim cooperation after arrest coupled with services provided by shelter court advocates were a strong predictor of victim cooperation at disposition and case outcome.
Women’s Risk for Revictimization by a New Abusive Partner: For What Should We Be Looking?
Authors: Cole Jennifer , Logan TK , Shannon Lisa
Published: June 2008

The purpose of this article was to examine the prevalence of, as well as risk factors for, revictimization by a new partner. Data was collected via face-to-face interviews at Time 1 (about 5 weeks after obtaining a protective order against a violent partner [DVO partner]) and at Time 2 (approximately 12 months later). Of those women who reported having a new partner at Time 2 (n = 412), 35.2% reported abuse. Findings indicate that there is a subset of women who are at greater risk of experiencing abuse by future partners: women with greater cumulative lifetime victimization and those who abuse or are dependent on illicit drugs. Intervening with women when they obtain a protective order is a critical point of intervention to reduce women’s risk for revictimization.
Female Sex Offenders’ Relationship Experiences
Authors: Lawson Louanne
Published: June 2008

Interventions for child sexual abusers should take into account their perspectives on the context of their offenses, but no descriptions of everyday life from the offender’s point of view have been published. This study therefore explored female offenders’ views of their strengths and challenges. Documented risk assessments of 20 female offenders were analyzed using inductive content analysis (Cavanagh, 1997; Priest, Roberts, & Woods, 2002; Woods, Priest, & Roberts, 2002). The Good Lives Model provided the initial coding framework and ATLAS.ti software (Muhr, 1997) was used for simultaneous data collection and analysis. The content analysis yielded 999 coding decisions organized in three themes. The global theme was relationship experiences. Offenders described the quality of their relationship experiences, including their personal perspectives, intimate relationships, and social lives. These descriptions have implications for treatment planning and future research with women who have molested children.
Understanding Intimate Partner Violence Against Women in the Rural South
Authors: Shuman Robert D. , McCauley Jeanne , Waltermaurer Eve , Roche W. Patrick , Hollis Helen , Gibbons Anne Kilgannon , Dever Alan , Jones Solita , McNutt Louise-Anne
Published: June 2008

Most U.S. intimate partner violence (IPV) research to date has been limited to women residing in urban areas, with the small body of research focusing on rural populations being primarily qualitative. In this case-control study of Southern rural women, while many factors are consistent with those found in urban settings, unlike findings elsewhere, IPV risk appears to increase with age, and race showed no increased risk. Furthermore, in rural areas where guns are more acceptable than in other parts of the United States, partners of IPV victims are considerably more likely to carry weapons than partners of nonabused women. Given the geographic limitations to police and medical response to severe IPV in a rural setting, an improved understanding of IPV risk among this population can aid health care providers in ascertaining risk before it escalates further.
Chemical amplification in an invaded food web: Seasonality and ontogeny in a high-biomass, low-diversity ecosystem
Authors: Ng Carla A , Berg Martin B , Jude David J , Janssen John , Charlebois Patrice M , Amaral Luis A. N , Gray Kimberly A
Published: June 2008

The global spread of invasive species is changing the structure of aquatic food webs worldwide. The North American Great Lakes have proved particularly vulnerable to this threat. In nearshore areas, invasive benthic species such as dreissenid mussels and round gobies (Neogobius melanostomus) have gained dominance in recent years. Such species are driving the flow of energy and material from the water column to the benthic zone, with dramatic effect on nutrient and contaminant cycling. Here, we develop a stage-structured model of a benthified food web in Lake Michigan with seasonal resolution and show how its bioaccumulation patterns differ from expected ones. Our model suggests that contaminant recycling through the consumption of lipid-rich fish eggs and mussel detritus is responsible for these differences. In southern Lake Michigan's Calumet Harbor (Chicago, IL, USA), round gobies have nitrogen isotope signatures with considerable spread, with some values higher than their predators and others lower than their prey. Contrary to patterns observed in linear pelagic systems, we predict that polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in these fish decrease with increasing size due to the lipid- and benthos-enriched diets of smaller fish. We also present here round goby PCB concentrations measured in 2005 after an invasional succession in Calumet Harbor and demonstrate how the change from one invasive mussel species to another may have led to a decrease in round goby PCB accumulation. Our results suggest that benthic-dominated systems differ from pelagic ones chiefly due to the influence of detritus and that these effects are exacerbated in systems with low species diversity and high biomass.
Experimental study on rainfall-runoff relation for porous pavements
Authors: Hou L. , Feng S. , Huo Z. , Ding Y. , Zhang S.
Published: June 2008

Impervious surfaces have long been implicated in the decline of watershed integrity in urban and urbanizing areas. Porous pavement is one solution to mitigating the problem of stormwater runoff problems. In this research, three available porous pavement systems were investigated to evaluate their infiltration capability of precipitation. Experiments were conducted to simulate different kinds of porous pavements having different sub-base materials in different cells. The discharge volumes were monitored from each cell, and the relationship between rainfall intensity, outflow and outflow duration was analyzed. Results show that these three porous pavements increased infiltration and decreased runoff. The optimum thickness of the porous pavement was 31 cm, which consisted of a 6 cm top layer of porous concrete and a 25 cm sub-base (10 cm concrete without sand and 15 cm aggregate base). Furthermore, under a rainfall rate of 59.36 mm/h, the runoff coefficient of the above porous pavement was zero, while the coefficient of the impervious pavement was 0.85. These results provide a clear indication of the value of porous pavement systems for broad expanses of the human engineered environment.
Dissolved oxygen supersaturation and its impact on bubble formation in the southern Baltic Sea coastal waters
Authors: Marks R.
Published: June 2008

The dissolved oxygen supersaturation in the surface waters was investigated as a factor influencing bubble formation in the southern Baltic Sea coastal waters in Warszów, Lubiatowo and Hel from 1995 to 2007. To quantify the changes of oxygen supersaturation, data were collected along transects using integrated dissolved oxygen and water temperature sensors, either mounted on a remotely operated platform or deployed manually.

Data revealed that an excess of solar energy in the nutrient-rich Baltic Sea coastal waters caused an immediate warming of sea bed and bottom water, which induced gaseous supersaturation and enhanced biological production of oxygen by phytoplankton. Both processes increased the degree of dissolved oxygen saturation, which became highly supersaturated, especially during the spring and summer time. Such conditions are favourable for enhanced formation of bubbles in the water, which enhanced the release of gases (mostly oxygen) into the air. Gaseous evasion is, in particular, enhanced in the presence of breaking waves and whitecaps that are typically formed over coastal ridges and at the shore line. Laboratory experiments indicated that, with the increasing degree of dissolved oxygen supersaturation, both the number of bubbles produced in the water and their sizes increase.
First flush effect from vegetated roofs during simulated rain events
Authors: Berndtsson J. C. , Bengtsson L. , Jinno K.
Published: June 2008

Vegetated roofs are becoming increasingly popular in urban environments. Still, several aspects of their influence on various urban infrastructures are not sufficiently investigated, including the roofs' influence on runoff water quality. In this study a first flush effect in runoff water from vegetated roofs during simulated artificial rain events is investigated. Example extensive (Sweden) and intensive (Japan) vegetated roofs are studied. The first flush effect is typically occurring in urban runoff from hard surfaces and is not observed when the source of pollutants is unlimited (e.g. soil particles). Vegetated roofs would thus not be expected to exhibit a first flush effect. However, the results show that concentrations of the studied chemical compounds and elements were higher in first runoff samples than in samples taken at higher runoff depths. Analysis of the plots of normalized cumulative mass of studied runoff constituents as a function of normalized cumulative flow showed that, generally, the values are above the diagonal line with the exception of potassium (K) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC). This indicates that, with the exception of K and DOC, proportionally more mass is washed off in the earlier runoff than in the later, which can be interpreted as the occurrence of a first flush effect.
A comparison of curve number based methods for runoff estimation from small watersheds in a semi-arid region of India
Authors: Ali Shakir , Sharda V. N.
Published: June 2008

The performance of five curve number based methods, generally employed for estimation of runoff, viz. National Engineering Handbook (NEH-4), storm event (SE), rank order (RO), lognormal frequency (LF) and s-probability (SP), was evaluated using runoff data recorded from three small watersheds in a semi-arid region of India. The most effective and reliable curve number method for runoff estimation was selected based upon several tests of goodness of fit including coefficient of determination (R2), index of agreement (D), root mean square error (RMSE) and relative bias (RB). The LF method was adjudged as the most promising curve number method for estimating runoff from small watersheds in the semi-arid regions of India. The runoff predicted by the LF method was in close agreement with the observed runoff for all four tests of goodness of fit. Though the performance of the SE, RO and NEH-4 methods was almost comparable to each other, the SP method registered higher deviation from the observed runoff values. From the analysis, it is concluded that the LF method can be successfully employed for estimation of curve number based runoff from small watersheds in the semi-arid regions of India.
Micro-agricultural water management technologies for food security in southern Africa: part of the solution or a red herring?
Authors: Merrey Douglas J. , Sally Hilmy
Published: June 2008

This paper is based on a review of experiences with a wide range of micro-agricultural water management technologies in sub-Saharan Africa with a special emphasis on southern Africa. The major finding of the study is that these technologies have the potential to make major contributions to improving food security, reducing rural poverty and promoting broad-based agricultural growth. However, there are serious policy impediments to successfully scaling out the use of these technologies at both national and regional levels. The paper makes seven specific policy recommendations whose implementation would enable promotion of wider uptake.
Drought and water policies in Northeast Brazil: backgrounds and rationale
Authors: Campos José Nilson B. , de Carvalho Studart Ticiana Marinho
Published: June 2008

The drought in Northeast Brazil has been the object of many studies and debates. The theme is controversial, with lots of facets and has been under discussion for a long time. After the 1877 drought, which lasted three years and caused the death of hundreds of thousands of people, the search for an understanding of the phenomenon and for its possible solution has been intensified. Experts and lots of non-experts took part in that process, proposing solutions or just giving their opinion. Many of them contributed and aggregated new knowledge and views. A small number of others, in fact, proposed very exotic solutions. This paper provides an historical review of how the issue has been addressed and makes a conceptual approach classifying the solutions and analyzing the efficiency of them. Some proposals are described, such as: the use of camels, crystalline rocks’ blasting, investment for drought forecast processes, damming and irrigation policies and water basin transfer from São Francisco River.
Evaluation, selection and initial performance of a large scale centralised biosolids facility at Oxley Creek Water Reclamation Plant, Brisbane
Authors: Barr K. G. , Solley D. O. , Starrenburg D. J. , Lewis R. G.
Published: June 2008

Recent upgrades to Brisbane City Council's Water Reclamation Plants (WRP) for improved nutrient removal has led to a significant increase in sludge production, and loss in potential anaerobic degradability. This increase in sludge production brought forth an economic driver for an improved, integrated biosolids handling strategy. The solution adopted by Brisbane Water, was a centralised thermal hydrolysis facility at Oxley Creek WRP to process the waste activated sludges generated at a total of five WRPs in the region. The thermal hydrolysis process uses high temperature and pressure to make non-degradable material more readily digestible by anaerobic bacteria and hence achieve greater efficiency in the overall anaerobic digestion process. Dewaterability is also improved, as the thermal hydrolysis process releases some of the bound water from the waste activated sludge. The viability of this solution is linked primarily to the reduction in mass and volume of biosolids which leads to lower transportation and disposal costs. After four months of operation, the Oxley Creek thermal hydrolysis plant has resulted in a 70% reduction in biosolids quantities (bulk volume) and disposal costs. The process is currently being optimised. Savings to date have reached about AUD 80,000 per month. Technical and operational issues which emerged during commissioning are also described.
Qualitative representation of trends: an alternative approach to process diagnosis and control
Authors: Villez K. , Rosén C. , Anctil F. , Duchesne C. , Vanrolleghem P. A.
Published: June 2008

The potential for qualitative representation of trends in the context of process diagnosis and control is evaluated in this paper. The technique for qualitative description of the data series is relatively new to the field of process monitoring and diagnosis and is based on the cubic spline wavelet decomposition of the data. It is shown that the assessed qualitative description of trends can be coupled easily with existing process knowledge and does not demand the user to understand the underlying technique in detail, in contrast to, for instance, multivariate techniques in Statistical Process Control. The assessed links can be integrated straightforwardly into the framework of supervisory control systems by means of look-up tables, expert systems or case-based reasoning frameworks. This in turn allows the design of a supervisory control system leading to fully automated control actions. The technique is illustrated by an application to a pilot-scale SBR.
AqquaScan: design and implementation of an Internet-based service for the remote monitoring and management of decentralised WWTPs
Authors: Castro A. , Ayesa E. , Alferes J. , Irizar I. , Sanz J. M. , Ayala I.
Published: June 2008

This paper describes the design and implementation of AqquaScan, an Internet-based service for remote monitoring and integrated management of decentralised WWTPs. AqquaScan is a multi-user and multi-WWTP service. It has been built according to criteria such as flexibility, scalability and interoperability with the idea of providing an open environment suited to quickly accommodate future scenarios (e.g. incorporation of new plants or upgrading of existing installations). Both, the management of plant information and users interfaces have been implemented in distributed software components that communicate with one another via web services. The implemented web services can be exploited to develop customised user interfaces for visualising the monitored data. By default, a customised web-based client module has been programmed in order for users to be able to exploit the facilities offered within AqquaScan: (1) real-time monitoring of on-line signals; (2) visualisation of historical data; (3) changing operational parameters; (4) notification of time-event information; and (5) storage of measurements from laboratory analysis. At present, AqquaScan is fully operative and is offering supervision services to eleven industrial WWTPs distributed around Northern Spain.
Combining multiway principal component analysis (MPCA) and clustering for efficient data mining of historical data sets of SBR processes
Authors: Villez Kris , Ruiz Magda , Sin Gürkan , Colomer Joan , Rosén Christian , Vanrolleghem Peter A.
Published: June 2008

A methodology based on Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and clustering is evaluated for process monitoring and process analysis of a pilot-scale SBR removing nitrogen and phosphorus. The first step of this method is to build a multi-way PCA (MPCA) model using the historical process data. In the second step, the principal scores and the Q-statistics resulting from the MPCA model are fed to the LAMDA clustering algorithm. This procedure is iterated twice. The first iteration provides an efficient and effective discrimination between normal and abnormal operational conditions. The second iteration of the procedure allowed a clear-cut discrimination of applied operational changes in the SBR history. Important to add is that this procedure helped identifying some changes in the process behaviour, which would not have been possible, had we only relied on visually inspecting this online data set of the SBR (which is traditionally the case in practice). Hence the PCA based clustering methodology is a promising tool to efficiently interpret and analyse the SBR process behaviour using large historical online data sets.