bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of the Surveillance Factors towards the Residents’ Perceptions on Safety at the Shared Outdoor Spaces in Gated Community
Authors: Shamsuddin Shuhana , Zaini Khazainun
Published: November 2013

Focusing on high rise residential gated community, this article concentrates on evaluating the effectiveness of surveillance factors in gated community in influencing the residents perceptions of safety at the shared outdoor spaces. Five common shared outdoor spaces in gated community were identified based on the literature review and extensive observations. These were measured and tested through a combination of questionnaire surveys, in-depth interview and unstructured direct observation techniques. Results revealed that the effectiveness of natural surveillance gave the most significant influence on the residents perceptions of safety in the shared outdoor spaces compared to the organized surveillance and mechanical surveillance in gated community.
The Constitutive Relationship of High Strength Concrete under Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Zhu Jin Cai , Yan Chang Wang , Liu Shu Guang
Published: November 2013

Study of Constitutive relations of concrete based on Chinese and foreign scholars. This paper put forward constitutive equation that more close to the stress-strain data of high strength concrete under uniaxial compression, and make a comparison between the theoretical results and experimental data, and promising results were obtained. It can be used as a basis for researching of high strength and high performance concrete of other mechanical properties.
The Research on Rest Space of Campus in Landscape Design
Authors: Zhang Yong
Published: November 2013

The colleges and universities campuses are places which function in teaching and living. Thus the rest space of a campus is one in which students learn and interact with each other culturally. Therefore, the designers should design a place for rest and activities in accordance with the requirement of the campus environment and embracing the characteristic of humanized landscape effect on the basis of adaptation to local conditions. Meanwhile, they should make it as a miniature of campus material civilization, which in some degree reflects the cultural and spiritual connotation so as to design a campus environment of new era full of cultural atmosphere.
Study on the Real Estate Green Business Process Management
Authors: Peng Xian Yong , Zhang Yi Feng
Published: November 2013

Green process management and improvement is the key for real estate companies to achieve sustainable development. In this thesis, the author discusses the entire green process management from the aspects of strategic management, process organization, construction process management and corporate culture, builds a real estate green business process management model and changes the traditional opinion focusing on the quantity rather than the quality of buildings.
Education on Global Climate and Environmental Change in University of China
Authors: Kang Jian Cheng , Su Xiaochen
Published: November 2013

Global Climate and Environmental Change is an international hot field. To enhance native awareness on climate change is one mission of "State Policy and Action on Climate Change 2009 in China". As an implement, a course on Global Climate and Environmental Change has been opened in Shanghai Normal University since 2005. The course includes three fields. In the first field, it is introduced on which problems and harms have been caused from Global Climate and Environmental Changes according to UNEP Year Books 2003~2013. In the second field, to introduce the Earth System and Climate-Environment Change. In the third part, the hot climate-environmental issues are analyzed and discussed. By joining this course, the students have understanding earth system science and global change. It helped students to set up the view of ecological civilization of the harmonious development between human and nature, inspire students responsibility to protect the earth. During past 8 year, there were 4 to 5 classes opening for different levels in Shanghai Normal University for each year, more than 1000 students joined the study in the course.
A Study on Behavioral Intention of Consumers Purchasing Fine Decoration Residence Based on Logit Model
Authors: Wang Ying , Guo Jing
Published: November 2013

This paper use the investigation data of Xi'an as the foundation, to examine consumer choice behavior of fine decoration residence. It analyzes the main factors which influence consumer choice behavior of fine decoration residence by using logit model. The results show that culture degree of consumer, understanding of fine decoration residence, willingness to pay as well as views on the quality of the decoration and style of fine decoration residence have a significant impact on consumer decisionmaking behavior in purchasing.
Analysis of Power Planning Model Based on Minimizing the Initial Investment Cost
Authors: Liu Zhong Jing , Fu Ting Ting , Yu Xu Dong , Ma Jun Zhou , Dong Xue Feng , Fang Shu Yan , Wang Shuang Wen
Published: November 2013

This paper establishes a power planning model based on minimization of the initial investment cost. The model includes the initial investment cost of wind turbines, photovoltaic cells, batteries, and biomass generators, diesel generators, power electronic devices and communications facilities in the objective function. In consideration of some constraint conditions, using the principle of priority of biomass generators, we use the particle swarm algorithm to solve the model. Through the calculation of actual examples, we simulate to find optimal solutions. Finally, we conclude that it should be possible to use biomass power generation and diesel generator power.
The Simulation Logic of Micro-Grid Power Supply Planning
Authors: Liu Zhong Jing , Wang Shuang Wen , Dong Xue Feng , Cui Jun Liang , Fu Tingting , Yang Jian Hua , Yu Xu Dong
Published: November 2013

As micro-grid technology's development, it has played an important role in improving the diversity and power quality of power supply. Micro-grid power supply planning is an important part of the micro-grid planning, the paper describes two different micro-grid power supply planning simulation logic, to provide some reference ideas for the micro-grid power supply planning simulation.
Reliability Analysis of Cable Structure Based on Parametric Design Language
Authors: Li Zhan Cang , Liu Zhan Sheng
Published: November 2013

Saddle-shaped cable structure is a new form of prestressed structure. Its reliability need to be analyzed for a new type structure. According to the different failure modes, the finite element model of prestressed steel structure is established. By using APDL language, the program is created. Finally, the reliability index of the model for different failure modes is got by reliability analysis. The results Provides reference basis for mechanics performance evaluation of prestressed structure.
The Research of Wireless Monitoring Technology Used in Jinshan Lake
Authors: Wu Chun Du , Jiang Da Wei , Xie Qing Jie , Chen Han Xiang , Chen Zhi Gang , Su Hang
Published: November 2013

A wireless monitoring system based on ZigBee has been designed to improve the efficiency of the water quality monitoring for Jinshan Lake. The system controls the monitoring facilities via the wireless sensor network for data collection and transfers the data to controlling center where the data will be memorized to the database via wireless transmission. The system consists of data remote collection, data wireless transmission, data memorizing and warning for pollution over-standard.
Comparison of Numerical Methods for Piled Raft Foundations
Authors: de Freitas Neto Osvaldo , Cunha Renato P. , Santos Olavo Francisco , Albuquerque Paulo J.R. , Garcia Jean R.
Published: November 2013

The methodologies used to calculate piled raft foundations are normally more complex than conventional foundations due to the large number of variables involved in the problem. In the conventional block, the interaction variables considered are only between the pile and the soil. In the piled raft, all the interaction effects must be considered, as follows: plate-soil, plate-piles and piles-soil, simultaneously. The Finite Element Method (FEM) has proven to be a useful tool in analyzing these types of problems. This study aims at assessing the behavior of piled rafts using the Cesar-LCPC numerical tool, version 4.0, which is based on the finite element method. Literature cases of rafts supported by 9, 15 and 16 piles were analyzed. The results obtained were compared with analysis methods presented in the bibliography. The following parameters were assessed: relative spacing (S/D), relative length (L/D), relative stiffness between piles and the soil (KPS), and settlement of piles and the raft. The spacing between piles has a significant influence on load distribution between piles and the raft. Very small spacing provides stiffness to the foundation, which then functions as a conventional pile foundation, in which only the piles absorb the load from the superstructure. The larger the L/D ratio, the lower the settlement and for a given modulus of elasticity of the pile, the increase in relative stiffness (KPS) causes an increase in settlement. In all analyses, the data obtained corroborated the results presented by other methods published in the literature.
Design Method of a New Type of Expansive Stressed Grouted Clamp
Authors: Li Cong , Shi Xiang
Published: November 2013

Considering the different mechanism of self-stress formation, a new type of structure was proposed for expansive grouted clamp, which is used for underwater repair on steel tubular. Since the structure is changed totally, the corresponding design method should be modified. This paper summarizes a design method of the new type of expansive stressed grouted clamp and sorts out a set of practical design procedure for the new structure. The core principles of the design method are based on the checks on slip capacity, member crushing and structural strength, associated with the experiment data and previous design experience as reference. An example of such clamp design for repairing a horizontal brace of a jacket platform is also introduced to describe how this method works.
Load-Carrying Capacity of Cold-Formed Steel Columns with Complicated Section under Eccentric Compression Loading
Authors: Wang Chun Gang , Xu Zi Feng , Zhang Zhuang Nan , Cao Yu Fei
Published: November 2013

This paper studied 30 cold-formed steel columns with three different sections and eleven different eccentricities under eccentric compression loading by nonlinear finite element analysis using program ANSYS. Effects of the above parameters on ultimate load-carrying capacity, buckling modes, the distribution of stress and strain, and deflection behavior of channels with complex edge stiffeners under eccentric compression loading were investigated. The result shows that influence of the effective centroid offset on carrying capacity under eccentric compression loading can not be ignored. The maximum of ultimate load-carrying capacity appeared when effective eccentricity was 0mm, and decreased with the increase of the value of effective eccentricity. Sections influence on load-carrying capacity under negative eccentric compression loading. Web stiffening can improve load-carrying capacity which the eccentricity near the web side. Sections influence on buckling modes. web stiffening can effectively avoid local buckling.
Numerical Simulation Research for CFST Columns under Blast Load
Authors: Niu Cao , Lu Yong Gang , Tao Jun Lin
Published: November 2013

The impact of blast load is always taken into consideration in significant pillar bearing component and protective construction. The LS-DYNA software was employed to simulate three typical concrete filled steel tubular (CFST) columns under blast load. The JHC model was used for concrete material and the MAT_PLASTIC_KINEMATIC model which accounted for the strain rate used for steel. Three section concrete-filled steel tube columns are analyzed in different proportion of distance and get the damage form of pillars and displacement of key points. The results show: In proportion to the same distance, the antiknock ability of circular cross section is better than the other two sections. Although in filled concrete damage is serious, but the steel tube columns improve the ductility of the columns. With the increase of proportion of distance, pillar deformation gradually decrease.
Geotechnical Engineering Practice of Multi-Forms of Composite Support of Deep Foundation Pit
Authors: Huang Qin He
Published: November 2013

A project in Xiamen setting three basement, the surrounding environment is more complex.the depth of the foundation pit is 11.0-16.1m, considering the duration, cost, environment and other factors, different positions of the foundation pit is respectively realized by adoption of double-row piles, pile-anchor retaining, pile-strut bracing structure and other forms of support, excavation practice proved that this composite support effectively support the pit, facilitate the construction, and the cost is relatively low.
Study on Deformation and Damage of Rock Mass Subject to High In Situ Stress by Using a Elastoplastic Damage Model and Considering the Impact of Weak Planes
Authors: Yang Yun Hao , Wang Ren Kun
Published: November 2013

Large scale underground caverns are under construction in high in-situ stress field at Houziyan hydropower station. To investigate deformation and damage of surrounding rock mass, a elastoplastic orthotropic damage model capable of describing induced orthotropic damage and post-peak behavior of hard rock is used, together with a effective approach accounting for the presence of weak planes. Then a displacement based back analysis was conducted by using the measured deformation data from extensometers. The computed displacements are in good agreement with the measured ones at most of measurement points, which confirm the validities of constitutive model and numerical simulation model. The result of simulation shows that damage of surrounding rock mass is mainly dominated by the high in-situ stress rather than the weak planes and heavy damage occur at the cavern shoulders and side walls.
Analysis of the Basic Overview and Characteristics of Research Methods of the Relationship between Rainfall and Landslide
Authors: Chen Ting , Cheng Sheng Guo , Pan Fei
Published: November 2013

The landslide research has continued for more than 100 years, in order to analyze the relationship between rainfall and landslide, the research methods of the relationship between landslide and two main characteristics of rainfall (rainfall and the rainfall process) which affect the stability of the landslide are summarized and analyzed the basic situation and characteristics of the main research methods. Several current problems about research methods of rainfall landslide were put forward:1) complex conditions apply problem;2) the Response rule of landslide surface moisture;3) the variation of surface the water content in different parts;4) The development and change law of landslide thrust force under the action of rainfall need further inquiry;5) lack of factor analysis of variation characteristics and influence of rainfall conditions the development law of landslide displacement and the displacement of landslide in different parts;6) lack of analysis and research interactions between multiple physical effects. Then suggestions and outlooks were given in response to these issues: the data statistics and numerical calculation as the foundation, combined with the response of landslide physical model experiment of multi physical quantity for a comprehensive analysis of the relationship between rainfall and landslide.
Testing and Analysis on Dynamic Rheologic Characteristics of Soft Soil under Different Breadth Conditions of Dynamic Loading
Authors: Hu Hua
Published: November 2013

The practical investigating and theoretic analysis Indicates that the rheologic action of the soft rock-soil could be accelerated by the dynamic loading, which induces more geotechnical engineering accidents and geologic disasters. The samples of marine deposit soft soil are collected in xiamen, and the dynamic stress-strain, the rheologic strain-time etc rheologic characteristics curves under the different breadth of dynamic loading of sinusoidal variation are tested using dynamic-triaxial device. The rheologic characteristics, rheologic rate and rheologic acceleration varietal process of four different breadths are analyzed. The research results indicate that all the samples are the same varietal process from decelerate rheology, relatively stable rheology to accelerate rheology stage. The dynamic strain slow growth and the rheologic process is relatively stable when the breadth of dynamic loading is low stress ranges of 10~20kPa.When the breadth of dynamic loading exceed 40kPa, the dynamic strain rapid growth and the rheologic is accelerate process till the samples destroy. The research results have academic and actual signification for us to open out the dynamic rheologic mechanics characteristic, explore the accelerating rheologic laws and the rheologic destabilizing dynamic condition of soft rock-soil under dynamic loading.
Research on the Impact of Moisture Content on the CBR Value of Shanxi Loess
Authors: Wu Xi Rong , Shen Jun Ming
Published: November 2013

Several typical soil samples in Shanxi Province were selected. Laboratory experiments were adopted to study the CBR of the three kinds of soil samples with different compaction and different water content. Orthogonal experiment was used to analyze the impact of factors including water content, compaction and soil sample category on the CBR value. The result shows that the moisture content has great impact on CBR value and the CBR value is maximize under optimum moisture content and maximum degree of compaction condition, while the not flooded CBR is decrease with the increasing of water content.
Experiment Research on Bored Pile with Post-Grouting Technology
Authors: Cheng Rui Chao , Yu Xin
Published: November 2013

The bearing capacity characteristics and side friction characters of post-grouting pile were studied in the static load test which included two piles with post-grouting or not. When the pile head settlements were same, the loads applied on the pile top were used to analyze the bearing properties of post-grouting pile. We got the ultimate side friction of post-grouting pile after fitting test curves of relations between friction resistance and displacement. The tests indicate that both the bearing capacity characteristics and side friction of post-grouting pile are increased in various degrees.
Research Progress in Bioactive Glasses for Implant Materials
Authors: Chen Chuan Zhong , Meng Xiang Guo , Yu Hui Jun , He Ting , Yang Han , Wang Dian Gang , Zhao Shi Gui
Published: November 2013

With the constant development of medical technology, biological materials become more and more important in surgical repair. Bioactive glass and glass ceramic, because of the good bioactivity and biocompatibility, are considered to be the most ideal material for bone repair and replacement. Thus in this paper the recent research progress in bioactive glasses and glass ceramics are summarized. The characteristics of component, structure and property of several kinds of bioactive glasses and glass ceramics are analyzed, the existent problems and some different solutions are also discussed, and their development foreground in surgical repair application is further forecast.
Instrumental Measurement and Analysis of Pharmaceutical Tablet Texture — A Review
Authors: Cheng Ya Qi , Chen Lan , Ngcobo Mduduzi E.K.
Published: November 2013

Textural property is one of the most important attributes of pharmaceutical tablet. From the perspective of destructive and non-destructive methods, this article reviews various approaches of tablet texture measurement and analysis. It is indicated that researchers usually utilize mechanical testers and optical and acoustic instruments to determine texture properties of hardness,tensile strength, friability and porosity of tablet, mainly aiming to characterize the damage and abrasive resistance.
Microstructure and Fracture Behavior of the Joint of Solidified TiB2 Ceramic with Ti-6Al-4V Achieved by Reaction Fusion Bonding in Ultrahigh-Gravity Field
Authors: Cui Hai Long , Zhao Zhong Min , Zhang Long , Huang Xue Gang
Published: November 2013

Based on taking combustion synthesis in ultrahigh-gravity field to prepare solidified TiC-TiB2 ceramic, laminated composite of TiC-TiB2 to Ti-6Al-4V was successfully obtained by fusion bonding, and within the joint there achieved multi-scale (micron-submicron-micro-nano) and multi-level (TiC1-x-TiB-TiB2 + TiB2-Ti-TiC1-x-TiB + TiB2-TiC1-x-TiB-Ti + TiB-TiC1-x-Ti + TiC1-x-Ti + Ti) composite structures characterized by size and distribution of TiB2 and TiB phases. As micro-nano TiB2, TiB platelets and needle-like nano TiB grains at the joint area initiated residual stress toughening and pinning at crack tip, while Ti phases initiated ductile phase toughening and subsequent bridging in crack-tip wake, a typical delayed fracture under external stress was manifested obviously in the joint of TiC-TiB2 to Ti-6Al-4V. As a result, the shear fracture of the joint of ceramic toTi-6Al-4V alloy usually occurred in solidified area of Ti alloy rather than the joint, and the shear strength between the ceramic and Ti alloy was maintained at 375 ± 55 MPa.
Leiomyoma as a cause of urinary retention
Authors: Sarsmaz Kemal , Goker Asli , Kuscu Naci Kemal
Published: November 2013

Urinary retention is uncommon in reproductive age women. The frequent causes for obstructive retention are pelvic masses and a history of surgery. We report a case of intermittent urinary retention caused by a leiomyoma. A 47-year old patient with voiding difficulties for the past four months was referred to the gynecology outpatient clinic. She had urinary retention and had been catheterized several times for bladder emptying. She had been evaluated by the urology clinic and a cystoscopy was performed with normal findings. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a pelvic mass at the anterior uterine wall with a diameter of 10 cm. Her physical examination confirmed the MRI findings. Total abdominal hysterectomy was performed with a complete resolution of the patient’s complaints. Women with urinary retention should be consultated with a gynecologist in order to rule out pelvic masses.
Uranium in Granites
Authors: Maurice Y T
Published: November 2013

Radioactive decay generates thermal energy, the driving force for most of the earth's internal processes. The radioelements, principally potassium, uranium and thorium have been progressively transferred {rom the mantle to the continental crust through time.
Granitic rocks provide the largest repository for these elements. A small proportion of granitic (and syenitic) rocks contain above normal radioelement concentrations. Under a favourable combination of structural and hydrological conditions the heat generating capacity of these 'hot' granites is
significant with respect to low temperature mineralizing processes. Uraniferous granites constitute a special class and Hercynian examples suggest that certain gross compositional and alteration features are indicative of genetically associated uranium mineralization (e.g. a high U/Th ratio combined
with uranium levels 2 to 5 times the clarke; muscovite-biotite; accessory uraninite; strong negative Bouguer gravity anomalies). The South Mountain batholith of SW Nova Scotia meets several of these criteria. In western Canada a linear negative gravity anomaly extending 1600 km {rom Edmonton to
Baker Lake, is coincident with a zone of high uranium, mostly in granitoid rocks, which is in the exposed Shield NE of the Athabasca basin, and present in the prairie Precambrian basement to the SW. The gravity anomalies can be traced beneath the Athabasca basin with the inference that there is
associated high uranium. This combined gravity-radioelement linear anomaly is termed the Athabasca axis. There is some evidence to suggest it developed through crustal tension. The rich mineralization of the Athabasca basin can be attributed to the favourable conjunction of heat sources, source
material, hydrology, and structure, in turn attributable to the Athabasca axis which has deep crustal or mantle connections. General questions are posed as to the distribution of 'hot' granites in time, their origins and tectonic associations, and their possible significance with respect to the
stabilization of crotons.
La prospection glacio-sédimentaire
Authors: DiLabio R N W , Coker W B
Published: November 2013

The research group at the Geological Survey of Fin/and, established for applying glacial geological studies in prospecting, has developed the following research procedure. Exploration pits are dug at ore boulder sites. The till stratigraphy and directions of ice
flow are established from these pits, the distance the boulders were transported is assessed, and samples for till lithology and geochemistry are taken. A probability sector for the source rock of the boulders is determined from the directions of ice flow. The study is continued by tracing ore
boulders and unique heavy mineral contents ·through the till unit. The procedure has proved very useful in Fin/and, where the surficial deposits are shallow, the average thickness being a mere 6.7 m. During the last nine years, the source rocks for forty-five boulder trains or geochemical
anomalies have been found.
The disposal of the hattat flesh
Authors: Kim Gyung-Yul , Venter Pieter M.
Published: November 2013

This article investigates the criteria for the disposal of the sin offering in the book of Leviticus, the function of the different ways of disposal and the meaning of the disposal with regard to Leviticus 10:17. It is indicated that this sacrifice is intended to eliminate the offerer’s sin and the sanctuary’s impurity. The eaten hattat offering retains minor contamination by human sin or impurity, whilst the burnt hattat offering is contaminated by more severe and major sins and impurities, in appropriation with either the offerer’s socio-religious status or the gravity of the sin.
Practical-theological facilitation as skilled helping
Authors: Pienaar Elmo
Published: November 2013

The article discussed the idea of skilled helping in relation to what has been put forward as practical theological facilitation. It has been argued that various helping relationships, amongst which the author refers to coaching, facilitation, and therapy has more in common than what differentiates them if epistemology is viewed as a unifying concept. As such the scope of practical theology in terms of the contexts and themes in which it might be involved is said to widen. The public dimension of the organisational context, more so than the congregational context, has been put forward as an important habitus of practical-theological facilitation. The organisational involvement of the practical-theological facilitator in terms of professional-vocational skilled helping takes on an actual role through facilitation and other helping modalities.
Anaesthetic management of two Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) cubs for fracture repair
Authors: Zeiler Gareth E. , Rioja Eva , Boucher Charlie , Tordiffe Adrian S.W.
Published: November 2013

This case series describes the anaesthetic management of two sibling Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris) cubs that were found to have spontaneous femur fractures due to severe nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. Both cubs received a combination of medetomidine (25 µg/kg) and ketamine (4 mg/kg) intramuscularly and were maintained with isoflurane in oxygen. An epidural injection of morphine (0.1 mg/kg) and ropivacaine (1.6 mg/kg) was administered to both tigers, which allowed a low end-tidal isoflurane concentration to be maintained throughout the femur fracture reduction operations. Both cubs experienced profound bradycardia and hypotension during general anaesthesia, and were unresponsive to anticholinergic treatment. Possible causes for these cardiovascular complications included: drug pharmacodynamics (medetomidine, morphine, isoflurane), decreased sympathetic tone due to the epidural (ropivacaine) and hypothermia. These possible causes are discussed in detail.
The relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership styles in the South African petrochemical industry
Authors: Pillay Maggie , Viviers Rian , Mayer Claude-Helene
Published: November 2013

Orientation: Although research on emotional intelligence in the context of leadership has remained a recurrent area of interest in theory and practice during the past decade, ongoing debate continues regarding the contribution of emotional intelligence to the understanding of leadership.Research purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between self-reported emotional intelligence and leadership styles in a South African context and to determine whether emotional intelligence can predict an effective leadership style.Motivation for the study: Research is needed in order to determine a more detailed relationship between emotional intelligence and leadership in the dynamic and globalising South African petrochemical context.Research design, approach and method: The study was conducted in terms of a positivist paradigm, using quantitative research instruments. Leaders (N = 161) were selected from a business unit in a South African petrochemical organisation. Self-reports from the emotional quotient inventory and the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ Form 5X, Version 2009) were analysed. Correlation analyses indicated statistically-significant relationships between emotional intelligence and transformational and laissez-faire leadership.Main findings: Findings indicated positive correlations between self-reported emotional intelligence (specifically adaptability) and transformational leadership. Negative correlations were obtained between emotional intelligence (specifically intrapersonal skills) and laissez-faire leadership. The research also showed differences between specific demographic variables.Practical/managerial implications: This study provides valuable significance for organisations’ endeavours in improving, training and identifying alternative selection and assessment procedures for evaluating leaders’ strengths.Contribution/value-add: This research contributes to the South African research on emotional intelligence and leadership styles and thereby adds context-specific value to the topic within a specific cultural and organisational context.
A Closer Examination of the Interaction among Risk Factors for Low Back Pain
Authors: Huang Hui-Chuan , Chang Hsiu-Ju , Lin Kuan-Chia , Chiu Hsiao-Yean , Chung Jui-Hung , Tsai Hong-Chieh
Published: November 2013

Purpose.

To evaluate the interactions of risk factors and identify their most powerful discrimination pathway for the occurrence of low back pain (LBP).

Design.

A cross-sectional study.

Setting.

Taiwan.

Subjects.

Taiwanese population of 30 to 64 years old.

Measures.

A self-reported question, “Have you experienced LBP within the last 3 months?” was used to evaluate LBP. The study variables included demographics (age, gender, occupation, education level, marital status, and household income), biometric health measures (bone mineral density and body mass index), dietary habits (weekly milk, coffee, tea, and soybean consumption), and other lifestyle factors (smoking habits, alcohol consumption, betel nut chewing, body weight control, exercise regularity, and stress management).

Analysis.

Logistic regression and classification tree analyses.

Results.

A total of 969 Taiwanese participants were analyzed. Primary logistic regression analysis identified three critical risk factors (gender, bone mineral density, and exercise regularity) for the occurrence of LBP. By classification tree analysis, demographic factors, dietary habits, and lifestyle factors had modifying effects on LBP.

Conclusions.

Various factors contribute to the risk of LBP. Interactions between risk factors should be considered when developing future strategies for the prevention and management of LBP.
Physical Activity Intensity and Weight Control Status among U.S. Adults with Diabetes
Authors: Loprinzi Paul D. , Pariser Gina
Published: November 2013

Purpose.

We have a limited understanding of the objectively determined physical activity levels by weight control status (i.e., trying to lose weight, trying to maintain weight, and neither trying to lose or maintain weight) among U.S. adults with diabetes. Therefore, this study assessed the association between physical activity and weight control status among U.S. adults with diabetes.

Design.

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting.

The 2003–2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) was used, which is representative of the U.S. population.

Subjects.

Subjects were 733 adults (≥ 20 years) with diabetes.

Measures.

Participants wore an accelerometer to assess physical activity, and questionnaires were used to assess weight control status and covariates.

Analysis.

Multivariate negative binomial regressions were used.

Results.

After adjustments, and compared to those not trying to lose or maintain their weight, women trying to lose weight engaged in 74% more physical activity (rate ratio = 1.74; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.14 to 2.65). Although findings were not significant for men, men were more likely than women to meet physical activity recommendations.

Conclusion.

Diabetic women trying to lose weight engaged in more physical activity than did their female counterparts not trying to lose or maintain their weight. Although men were more active than women, no differences in activity estimates occurred across weight control status for men.
Hydrogen peroxide dynamics in an agricultural headwater stream: Evidence for significant nonphotochemical production
Authors: Dixon Taylor C. , Vermilyea Andrew W. , Scott Durelle T. , Voelker Bettina M.
Published: November 2013

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) plays key roles in aquatic systems, including metal redox cycling and degradation of organic matter into bioavailable forms. Abiotic photoproduction, via photo‐oxidation of chromophoric dissolved organic matter, has generally been assumed to be the most important source of H2O2 to freshwater systems in the daytime. However, the significance of other H2O2 sources has not been previously examined in situ. In this study, isotopically labeled H2O2 (H218O2) was added to in‐stream mesocosms exposed to light and dark periods. By measuring total H2O2 and H218O2 in tandem, we inferred absolute rates of H2O2 production and decay, which occurred simultaneously. Abiotic photoproduction rates were measured independently by exposing filtered samples to sunlight. Even in these shallow systems, total production rates greatly exceeded rates of abiotic photoproduction, and other sources of H2O2, most likely biological production, were the dominant control on the H2O2 budget. Thus, H2O2 and its precursor superoxide () may play a greater role in biogeochemical processes, especially in the absence of light, than previously thought.
Ecological stoichiometry: An elementary approach using basic principles
Authors: Hessen Dag O. , Elser James J. , Sterner Robert W. , Urabe Jotaro
Published: November 2013

Based on the observation that organism‐specific elemental content creates ecologically relevant mismatches such as between plant and animal tissue, it was postulated—and experimentally verified—that this would profoundly affect trophic efficiency and nutrient fluxes in ecosystems. From its beginnings as a Daphnia‐centered perspective, the field of ecological stoichiometry (ES) has widened to include many organism groups, and ecosystem types, and the questions it addresses have broadened. We address some of the development of ES in aquatic sciences especially over the past 10 yr, focusing on homeostasis and mass balance in the consumer, and its effect on trophic efficiency and nutrient recycling in aquatic communities. We also discuss how ES has provided novel insights into genomic, proteomic, and cellular responses at one end of the biological scale as well as into large‐scale effects related to biogeochemical couplings at the ecosystem level. The coupling of global C, N, and P cycles via their biotic interactions and their responses to climate change accentuate ES as an important toolkit for ecosystem analysis. We also point to some of the major topics and principles where ES has provided new insights. For each of these topics we also point to some novel directions where the ES concepts likely will be useful in understanding and predicting biological responses.
Biogeochemical control on fluorescent dissolved organic matter dynamics in a large freshwater lake (Lake Biwa, Japan)
Authors: Thottathil Shoji D. , Hayakawa Kazuhide , Hodoki Yoshikuni , Yoshimizu Chikage , Kobayashi Yuki , Nakano Shin-ichi
Published: November 2013

The dynamics of fluorescent dissolved organic matter (FDOM) in the large monomictic freshwater Lake Biwa (surface area 675 km2, maximum depth 104 m) was studied from December 2010 to December 2011. The protein‐like FDOM (FDOMT) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) showed epilimnetic accumulation (FDOMT from 4.42 ± 0.22 quinine sulfate units [QSU] to 6.30 ± 0.04 QSU; DOC from 80.8 ± 2.7 µmol L−1 to 102.7 ± 3.5 µmol L−1) between nutrient‐replete winter mixing to nutrient‐depleted stratified periods. This accumulation is attributed to the reduced heterotrophic activity following severe P‐limitation. The positive correlation between accumulated DOC and FDOMT in the epilimnion and their uniform reduction in the hypolimnion (∼ 9%) suggest FDOMT as a proxy for semi‐labile DOM. The humic‐like FDOM (FDOMM) generally increased with depth, a pattern similar to nutrients and total carbon dioxide (TCO2), but adverse to dissolved oxygen. The significant positive correlations of FDOMM with apparent oxygen utilization (r = 0.86, p < 0.001), TCO2 (r = 0.91, p < 0.001), nitrate (r = 0.83, p < 0.001), and phosphate (r = 0.76, p < 0.001) in the deeper layers suggest that FDOMM is formed during hypolimnetic mineralization. We estimated that ∼ 8% of the organic carbon degraded in the hypolimnion is transferred into humic substances. The minor contribution of DOC (6.4%) to hypolimnetic mineralization suggests that production of humic substances is mainly fueled by the mineralization of sinking biogenic particles. The production and consumption of FDOM in freshwater lakes may influence the quality and bioavailability of carbon exported from these systems.
Characterization of organic aerosol produced during pulverized coal combustion in a drop tube furnace
Authors: Wang X. , Williams B. J. , Wang X. , Tang Y. , Huang Y. , Kong L. , Yang X. , Biswas P.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Controlled bench scale pulverized coal combustion studies were performed, demonstrating that inorganic particles play a critical role as carriers of organic species. Two commonly-used aerosol mass spectrometry techniques were applied to characterize fine particle formation during coal combustion. It was found that the organic species in coal combustion aerosols have mass spectra similar to those generated by biomass combustion. Ambient measurements in Shanghai, China confirm the presence of these species in approximately 29–38% of the sampled particles. With the absence of major biomass sources in the Shanghai area, it is suggested that coal combustion may be the main source of these particles. This work indicates there is a significant potential for incorrect apportionment of coal combustion particles to biomass burning sources using widely adopted mass spectrometry techniques.
Forcing of stratospheric chemistry and dynamics during the Dalton Minimum
Authors: Anet J. G. , Muthers S. , Rozanov E. , Raible C. C. , Peter T. , Stenke A. , Shapiro A. I. , Beer J. , Steinhilber F. , Brönnimann S. , Arfeuille F. , Brugnara Y. , Schmutz W.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. The response of atmospheric chemistry and dynamics to volcanic eruptions and to a decrease in solar activity during the Dalton Minimum is investigated with the fully coupled atmosphere–ocean chemistry general circulation model SOCOL-MPIOM (modeling tools for studies of SOlar Climate Ozone Links-Max Planck Institute Ocean Model) covering the time period 1780 to 1840 AD. We carried out several sensitivity ensemble experiments to separate the effects of (i) reduced solar ultra-violet (UV) irradiance, (ii) reduced solar visible and near infrared irradiance, (iii) enhanced galactic cosmic ray intensity as well as less intensive solar energetic proton events and auroral electron precipitation, and (iv) volcanic aerosols. The introduced changes of UV irradiance and volcanic aerosols significantly influence stratospheric dynamics in the early 19th century, whereas changes in the visible part of the spectrum and energetic particles have smaller effects. A reduction of UV irradiance by 15%, which represents the presently discussed highest estimate of UV irradiance change caused by solar activity changes, causes global ozone decrease below the stratopause reaching as much as 8% in the midlatitudes at 5 hPa and a significant stratospheric cooling of up to 2 °C in the mid-stratosphere and to 6 °C in the lower mesosphere. Changes in energetic particle precipitation lead only to minor changes in the yearly averaged temperature fields in the stratosphere. Volcanic aerosols heat the tropical lower stratosphere, allowing more water vapour to enter the tropical stratosphere, which, via HOx reactions, decreases upper stratospheric and mesospheric ozone by roughly 4%. Conversely, heterogeneous chemistry on aerosols reduces stratospheric NOx, leading to a 12% ozone increase in the tropics, whereas a decrease in ozone of up to 5% is found over Antarctica in boreal winter. The linear superposition of the different contributions is not equivalent to the response obtained in a simulation when all forcing factors are applied during the Dalton Minimum (DM) – this effect is especially well visible for NOx/NOy. Thus, this study also shows the non-linear behaviour of the coupled chemistry-climate system. Finally, we conclude that especially UV and volcanic eruptions dominate the changes in the ozone, temperature and dynamics while the NOx field is dominated by the energetic particle precipitation. Visible radiation changes have only very minor effects on both stratospheric dynamics and chemistry.
Hygroscopicity, CCN and volatility properties of submicron atmospheric aerosol in a boreal forest environment during the summer of 2010
Authors: Hong J. , Häkkinen S. A. K. , Paramonov M. , Äijälä M. , Hakala J. , Nieminen T. , Mikkilä J. , Prisle N. , Kulmala M. , Riipinen I. , Bilde M. , Kerminen V.-M. , Petäjä T.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. The Volatility-Hygroscopicity Tandem Differential Mobility Analyzer (VH-TDMA) was applied to study the hygroscopicity and volatility properties of submicron atmospheric aerosol in a boreal forest environment in Hyytiälä, Finland during the summer of 2010. Aitken and accumulation mode particles (50 nm, 75 nm and 110 nm) were investigated. The results suggest that the particles were internally mixed at all sizes. Hygroscopicity was found to increase with size. The relative mass fraction of organics and SO42− is probably the major contributor to the fluctuation of the hygroscopicity for all particle sizes. The Cloud Condensation Nuclei counter (CCNc)-derived hygroscopicity parameter κ was slightly higher than κ calculated from VH-TDMA data under sub-saturated conditions, which can be explained by the fact that particulate organics have a different degree of dissolution in sub- and supersaturated conditions. Also, the size-resolved volatility properties of particles were investigated. Upon heating, small particles evaporated more compared to large particles. There was a significant amount of aerosol volume (non-volatile material) left even at heating temperatures above 280 °C. Using size resolved volatility-hygroscopicity analysis, we concluded that there was always hygroscopic material remaining in the particles of different sizes at all different heating temperatures, even above 280 °C. This indicates that the observed non-volatile aerosol material was not consisting solely of black carbon.
Characteristics and sources of gravity waves observed in NLC over Norway
Authors: Demissie T. D. , Espy P. J. , Kleinknecht N. H. , Hatlen M. , Kaifler N. , Baumgarten G.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Four years of noctilucent cloud (NLC) images from an automated digital camera in Trondheim and results from a ray tracing model are used to extend the climatology of gravity waves to higher latitudes and to identify their sources at high latitudes during summertime. The climatology of the summertime gravity-waves detected in NLC between 64° and 74° N is similar to that observed between 60° and 64° N by Pautet et al. (2011). The direction of propagation of gravity waves observed in the NLC north of 64° N is a continuation of the north and northeast propagation as observed in south of 64° N. However, a unique population of fast, short wavelength waves propagating towards the SW is observed in the NLC, which is consistent with transverse instabilities generated in-situ by breaking gravity waves (Fritts et al., 2003). The relative amplitude of the waves observed in the NLC Mie-scatter have been combined with ray-tracing results to show that waves propagating from near the tropopause, rather than those resulting from secondary generation in the stratosphere or mesosphere, are more likely to be the sources of the prominent wave structures observed in the NLC. The coastal region of Norway along the latitude of 70° N is identified as the primary source region of the waves generated near the tropopause.
Quantifying water diffusion in high-viscosity and glassy aqueous solutions using a Raman isotope tracer method
Authors: Price H. C. , Murray B. J. , Mattsson J. , O'Sullivan D. , Wilson T. W. , Baustian K. J. , Benning L. G.
Published: November 2013

Abstract. Recent research suggests that under certain temperature and relative humidity conditions atmospheric aerosol may be present in the form of a glassy solid. In order to understand the impacts that this may have on aerosol-cloud interactions and atmospheric chemistry, knowledge of water diffusion within such aerosol particles is required. Here, a method is described in which Raman spectroscopy is used to observe D2O diffusion in high-viscosity aqueous solutions, enabling a quantitative assessment of water diffusion coefficients, Dwater, as a function of relative humidity. Results for sucrose solutions compare well with literature data at 23.5 ± 0.3 °C, and demonstrate that water diffusion is slow (Dwater~5 ×10−17m2s−1), but not arrested, just below the glass transition. Room temperature water diffusion coefficients are also presented for aqueous levoglucosan and an aqueous mixture of raffinose, dicarboxylic acids and ammonium sulphate: at low humidity, diffusion is retarded but still occurs on millisecond to second timescales in atmospherically relevant-sized particles. The effect of gel formation on diffusion in magnesium sulfate solutions is shown to be markedly different from the gradual decrease in diffusion coefficients of highly viscous liquids. We show that using the Stokes–Einstein equation to determine diffusion timescales from viscosity leads to values which are more than five orders of magnitude too big, which emphasises the need to make measurements of diffusion coefficients. In addition, comparison of bounce fraction data for levoglucosan with measured diffusion data reveals that even when particles bounce the equilibration timescales for water are a fraction of a second for a 100 nm particle. This suggests a high bounce fraction does not necessarily indicate retarded water diffusion.