bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of Chinese Privet (Ligustrum sinense) on Decomposition and Nutrient Availability in Riparian Forests
Authors: Mitchell Jennifer D. , Lockaby B. Graeme , Brantley Eve F. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractAs invasive species become increasingly abundant in forests, their presence may influence a number of key nutrient cycling processes. For example, Chinese privet has become well established in southeastern forests and continues to spread. Two studies, a multisite field investigation and a controlled approach on a single site, were conducted to examine the role of Chinese privet (Ligustrum sinense) on decomposition within riparian forests of the Georgia Piedmont. The field study also investigated the effects of privet presence on soil nitrogen (N) mineralization and microbial carbon and N immobilization. Both studies utilized a litterbag approach to examine how increasing proportions of privet in foliar litter influenced mass loss rates and nutrient dynamics. The field investigation included litterbags with representative proportions of the five dominant species from 16 sites. Litterbags in the controlled study were composed of specific levels of privet litter within bags (0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% Chinese privet) as treatments. The litter quality of four native species was compared to Chinese privet in the controlled study. Both studies showed significant positive relationships between percentage of Chinese privet in litterbags and decomposition rates (2.6-fold rate increase with 30% privet in litterfall). Chinese privet leaf litter had lower lignin and cellulose concentrations, higher N concentrations, lower lignin : N ratios, and narrower C : N ratios than the native species. The positive relationship between mass loss rates and the proportion of Chinese privet in litter indicates that Chinese privet enhances decomposition rates as it becomes more abundant. During summer, N mineralization showed approximately a fivefold increase; during winter, microbial biomass N increased by approximately 30% on sites with the highest levels of privet in the understory. Consequently, C and N dynamics in Piedmont riparian forests were significantly influenced in direct proportion to the amount of privet present in the understory.
Delay-dependent generalized H2 control for discrete T-S fuzzy large-scale stochastic systems with mixed delays
Authors: Li Jiangrong , Li Junmin , Xia Zhile 
Published: December 2011

Delay-dependent generalized H2 control for discrete T-S fuzzy large-scale stochastic systems with mixed delays
This paper is concerned with the problem of stochastic stability and generalized H2 control for discrete-time fuzzy large-scale stochastic systems with time-varying and infinite-distributed delays. Large-scale interconnected systems consist of a number of discrete-time interconnected Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) subsystems. First, a novel Delay-Dependent Piecewise Lyapunov-Krasovskii Functional (DDPLKF) is proposed, in which both the upper and the lower bound of delays are considered. Then, two improved delay-dependent stability conditions are established based on this DDPLKF in terms of Linear Matrix Inequalities (LMIs). The merit of the proposed conditions lies in its reduced conservatism, which is achieved by circumventing the utilization of some bounding inequalities for cross products of two vectors and by considering the interactions among the fuzzy subsystems in each subregion. A decentralized generalized H2 state feedback fuzzy controller is designed for each subsystem. It is shown that the mean-square stability for discrete T-S fuzzy large-scale stochastic systems can be established if a DDPLKF can be constructed and a decentralized controller can be obtained by solving a set of LMIs. Finally, an illustrative example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
LMI-based adaptive fuzzy integral sliding mode control of mismatched uncertain systems
Authors: Mnasri Chaouki , Gasmi Moncef 
Published: December 2011

LMI-based adaptive fuzzy integral sliding mode control of mismatched uncertain systems
Integral sliding mode design is considered for a class of uncertain systems in the presence of mismatched uncertainties in both state and input matrices, as well as norm-bounded nonlinearities and external disturbances. A sufficient condition for the robust stability of the sliding manifold is derived by means of linear matrix inequalities. The initial existence of the sliding mode is guaranteed by the proposed control law. The improvement of the proposed control scheme performances, such as chattering elimination and estimation of norm bounds of uncertainties, is then considered with the application of an adaptive fuzzy integral sliding mode control law. The validity and efficiency of the proposed approaches are investigated through a sixth order uncertain mechanical system.
A fine-grained arc-consistency algorithm for non-normalized constraint satisfaction problems
Authors: Arangú Marlene , Salido Miguel 
Published: December 2011

A fine-grained arc-consistency algorithm for non-normalized constraint satisfaction problems
Constraint programming is a powerful software technology for solving numerous real-life problems. Many of these problems can be modeled as Constraint Satisfaction Problems (CSPs) and solved using constraint programming techniques. However, solving a CSP is NP-complete so filtering techniques to reduce the search space are still necessary. Arc-consistency algorithms are widely used to prune the search space. The concept of arc-consistency is bidirectional, i.e., it must be ensured in both directions of the constraint (direct and inverse constraints). Two of the most well-known and frequently used arc-consistency algorithms for filtering CSPs are AC3 and AC4. These algorithms repeatedly carry out revisions and require support checks for identifying and deleting all unsupported values from the domains. Nevertheless, many revisions are ineffective, i.e., they cannot delete any value and consume a lot of checks and time. In this paper, we present AC4-OP, an optimized version of AC4 that manages the binary and non-normalized constraints in only one direction, storing the inverse founded supports for their later evaluation. Thus, it reduces the propagation phase avoiding unnecessary or ineffective checking. The use of AC4-OP reduces the number of constraint checks by 50% while pruning the same search space as AC4. The evaluation section shows the improvement of AC4-OP over AC4, AC6 and AC7 in random and non-normalized instances.
Partitioned iterated function systems with division and a fractal dependence graph in recognition of 2D shapes
Authors: Gdawiec Krzysztof , Domańska Diana 
Published: December 2011

Partitioned iterated function systems with division and a fractal dependence graph in recognition of 2D shapesOne of the approaches in pattern recognition is the use of fractal geometry. The property of self-similarity of fractals has been used as a feature in several pattern recognition methods. All fractal recognition methods use global analysis of the shape. In this paper we present some drawbacks of these methods and propose fractal local analysis using partitioned iterated function systems with division. Moreover, we introduce a new fractal recognition method based on a dependence graph obtained from the partitioned iterated function system. The proposed method uses local analysis of the shape, which improves the recognition rate. The effectiveness of our method is shown on two test databases. The first one was created by the authors and the second one is the MPEG7 CE-Shape-1 PartB database. The obtained results show that the proposed methodology has led to a significant improvement in the recognition rate.
The Rise of Smaller Cities and Its Meaning in International Tourism to Japan
Authors: Kitada Koji 
Published: December 2011

The Rise of Smaller Cities and Its Meaning in International Tourism to Japan
The number of foreign tourists visiting Japan has steadily increased in the recent decades. The country has much variety between districts in spite of its small area, and there is a close relation between the variety of tourist resources and preferences of foreign visitors according to their nationalities. For example, prefectures located in the Hokuriku and Hida district, which do not have large cities, have shown a rapid increase in foreign visitors in the recent years and become one of the major international tourist areas in Japan. The district is mainly supported by visitors from Taiwan and Europe seeking tradition of Japan in smaller cities and the beauty of nature. It is true that 75% of foreign tourists visiting Japan come from Asia and many of them prefer shopping in large cities. But it is also important to enhance historic and cultural value of tourist resources to heighten the attraction of Japan: variety between districts.
Numbers and narratives. Relations between patient satisfaction, retention, outcome and program factors in outpatient substance abuse treatment
Authors: Thylstrup Birgitte 
Published: December 2011

Aims Research on substance abuse treatment suggests patient satisfaction is linked to use of services and abstinence. However, patient perspectives on treatment are rarely examined. This study used mixed methods to examine correlations between patients’ treatment satisfaction, retention and abstinence from drugs and provide a transpersonal account of patient perspectives on treatment. Data and Methods Eight Danish outpatient substance abuse treatment centres participated in the study. Data was collected from 186 patients. Quantitative measures were used at baseline screenings and at 6 months follow-up interviews, including the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 (CSQ-8). Qualitative measures were used for patient descriptions of treatment at follow-up. Results Patient satisfaction with treatment was linked to retention, abstinence and program differences. The qualitative data described patient's views on high or low treatment satisfaction. Conclusion The CSQ-8 is a valuable tool for monitoring patient engagement and treatment effect in substance abuse treatment services. The inclusion of patient perspectives underlined the importance of a more contextual understanding of program components.
Applying mixed methods in evaluation of a community prevention project: reflections on strengths and challenges
Authors: Rossow Ingeborg , Baklien Bergljot 
Published: December 2011

Aims In this study we report on experiences with applying mixed methods in an evaluation study and present reflections on strengths and challenges in this respect. What was done in order to integrate qualitative and quantitative methods? What were the main benefits? What kinds of difficulties were encountered. Methods The study is a case report based on the researchers’ own experiences from applying qualitative process evaluation and quantitative effect evaluation in a comprehensive evaluation of a complex community prevention project. Results Findings from qualitative methods were used to initiate further effect evaluation (sequential integration) and to support and explain findings from the effect evaluation (simultaneous integration). The main benefits were a more nuanced and comprehensive evaluation integrated into a common evaluation report. The integration of qualitative and quantitative methods presented a number of challenges, particularly in integrating the analyses and writing a common report, due to significant differences in research traditions. Conclusion The use of mixed methods in this evaluation study was very useful and necessary, particularly to explain the findings and to provide information for future prevention projects. However, essential differences between process evaluation and effect evaluation presented challenges.
Nasal Allergies in the Asian–Pacific Population: Results from the Allergies in Asia–Pacific Survey
Authors: Katelaris Constance H. , Lai Christopher K.W. , Rhee Chae-Seo , Lee Sang Hag , De Yun Wang , Lim-Varona Linda , Quang Vo Thanh , Hwang Jason , Singh Harvinder , Kim Jungsoo , Boyle John M. , Dhong Hun Jong , Narayanan Prepageran , Vicente Gil , Blaiss Michael , Sacks Raymond 
Published: December 2011

Background The Allergies in Asia–Pacific Survey describes the symptoms, impact, and treatment of allergic rhinitis (AR) across Australia, China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the Philippines. The Allergies in Asia–Pacific Survey was undertaken to further clarify the prevalence of physician-diagnosed nasal allergies (NAs), impact on quality-of-life (QOL), existing treatment paradigms and gaps, and NA medications currently used in treatment. Methods Thirty-three thousand three hundred seventy-eight households were screened for individuals, ≥ 4 years old, with a physician diagnosis of AR or NA and either symptoms or treatment in the past 12 months. Standardized questionnaires were used to make comparisons across regions. A total of 1043 adults and 192 children were included in the survey. Results Nine percent of participants were diagnosed with AR with two of three responding that their NAs were seasonal in nature. Nasal congestion was the most common and bothersome symptom of AR. Most participants reported that AR impacted their QOL with nearly one-half citing impairments in school/work performance/productivity. Sleep disturbances, secondary to AR, were also shown to be appreciable. Two-thirds of patients took medication for their AR. Less than one-quarter of survey respondents reported taking an intranasal corticosteroid and the satisfaction rate was similar to that of over-the-counter medications. The most common reasons cited for dissatisfaction were related to inadequate efficacy and bothersome side effects. Conclusion AR appears to be extremely common across Asia–Pacific nations. Many individuals with AR suffer from symptoms that reduce QOL and treatment gaps exist with current therapies. Through identification of disease impact and highlighting treatment gaps, clinicians may better understand and treat AR, leading to improvements in overall patient satisfaction and QOL.
Nondestructive NIR Reflectance Spectroscopic Method for Rapid Fatty Acid Analysis of Peanut Seeds
Authors: Sundaram Jaya , Kandala Chari V. , Butts Christopher L. , Chen Charles Y. , Sobolev Victor 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT
Near Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to rapidly and nondestructively analyze the fatty acid concentration present in peanut seeds samples. Absorbance spectra were collected in the wavelength range from 400 nm to 2500 nm using NIRS. The oleic, linoleic and palmitic fatty acids were converted to their corresponding methyl esters and their concentrations were measured using a gas chromatograph (GC). Partial least square (PLS) analysis was performed on a calibration set, and models were developed for prediction of fatty acid concentrations. The best model was selected based on the coefficient of determination (R2), Root Mean Square Error of Prediction, residual percent deviation (RPD) and correlation coefficient percentage between the gas chromatography measured values and the NIR predicted values. The NIR reflectance model developed yielded RPD values of three and above for prediction of the three fatty acids, indicating that this nondestructive method would be suitable for fatty acid predictions in peanut seeds.
Determining the Oleic/linoleic Acid Ratio in a Single Peanut Seed: a Comparison of Two Methods
Authors: Chamberlin K.D. , Melouk H.A. , Madden R. , Dillwith J.W. , Bannore Y. , El Rassi Z. , Payton M. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT
Peanut varieties with high oleic/linoleic acid ratios have become preferred by the peanut industry due to their increased shelf life and improved health benefits. Many peanut breeding programs are trying to incorporate the high oleic trait into new and improved varieties and are in need of diagnostic tools to track its inheritance early in development and at the single seed level. Traditionally, gas chromatography has been used to accurately determine the properties of peanut oil. Recently a method was developed to carry out this analysis by capillary elecrophoresis providing researchers with an alternative analytical platform. In this study, the use of capillary electrophoresis and gas chromatography for analysis of oleic/linoleic acid ratios are compared. Oil was extracted from approximately 0.10 g of peanut seed tissue taken from the distal end, leaving the embryonic end of the seed intact for subsequent germination. Over 100 samples inclusive of runner, Spanish and Virginia market types were processed. Oil extracts were analyzed for oleic/linoleic acid ratio using (1) capillary electrophoresis (CE) and (2) gas chromatography (GC). Results showed that the two methods are 100% in agreement in determining whether a peanut seed is “high-oleic” or “normal oleic” in oil content. Furthermore, the two methods are highly correlated (r  =  0.96; p &lt; 0.0001) with respect to determining the exact oleic/linoleic acid ratio from each sample. Results from this study validate the use of CE as a diagnostic tool for breeding programs to identify individual high oleic peanut seed for further testing and development.
Self-Efficacy and Exercise Participation in Sedentary Adult Females
Authors: McAuley Edward , Jacobson Lynn 
Published: December 2011

Background. This study examined the importance of selected psychosocial and biometric variables in the prediction of exercise behavior in sedentary adult females. Specifically, the relationships among exercise behavior and instructor influence, self-efficacy cognitions, self-motivation, and body composition and their ability to predict exercise participation were evaluated. Methods. Fifty-eight females volunteered to participate in an eight-week aerobic exercise program. Biometric and psychosocial variables were assessed prior to and following the program. Attendance data and activity logs provided participation data. Subjects were also contacted three months after program termination to assess their activity patterns at that time. Results. Multivariate analyses of variance indicated that subjects categorized as high or low in either program or overall exercise participation differed significantly on body weight, efficacy cognitions, and post-program perceptions. Multiple regression analyses indicated that instructor influence (R2 = .116) and self-efficacy cognitions (R2 = .093) contributed to the variance in subjects' program attendance. However, only self-efficacy was a significant predictor of overall exercise levels (R2 = .125). Correlational analyses revealed a modest but significant difference between self-efficacy and regularity of exercise (r = . 28) and duration of activity (r = . 32) at follow-up. Discussion. The findings are discussed in relation to the role that efficacy might play in exercise behavior.
Cardiovascular Health among African-Americans: A Review of the Health Status, Risk Reduction, and Intervention Strategies
Authors: Magnus Marcia H. 
Published: December 2011

Background. This article reviews the literature of African-American risk and identifies the disparity in cardiovascular health status, particularly hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and cigarette smoking, and mortality rates between African-Americans and whites. Methods. Data on African-Americans' knowledge and attitudes toward preventing hypertension and heart disease are summarized and compared to that of whites. Results. Program implementation details such as communication channels, activities, and health outcomes in cardiovascular risk reduction programs in African-American communities are summarized. Discussion. Promising approaches to program planning and implementation for cardiovascular risk reduction among African-Americans are recommended.
Comparison of Health Risk Prevalence Reported in a Health Risk Appraisal and Predicted through Demographic Analysis
Authors: Kaman Robert L. , Licciardone John C. , Hoffmann Marilyn A. 
Published: December 2011

Background. The purpose of this study was to determine if the Healthier People Health Risk Appraisal and the RiskPlan Report, two different methods for measuring health risks of an employee population, produce the same estimates of health risk prevalence. Methods. The prevalence of each of seven risk factors, directly measured by the Healthier People Health Risk Appraisal and predicted by the RiskPlan Report using demographic and normative data, were compared for a group of 239 employees participating in a voluntary health screening. Further, the 239 participants and 426 nonparticipants were compared with respect to demographic factors gleaned from personnel records, and risk factor prevalence derived from the RiskPlan Report. Results. Significant differences were found in the prevalence of six of the seven risk factors measured by the Healthier People Health Risk Appraisal and predicted by the RiskPlan Report. Also, risk factor prevalence predicted by the RiskPlan Report was not significantly different in the participants and nonparticipants although three critical sociodemographic variables were significantly different. Discussion. The results suggest that the prevalence of health risks based on normative data and the demographic profile of a population are not similar to those directly measured, and some doubt is raised about predicting health risks based on these data.
Results of a Long-Term Community Smoking Cessation Contest
Authors: Lando Harry A. , Hellerstedt Wendy L. , Pirie Phyllis L. , Fruetel Jerry , Huttner Patrick 
Published: December 2011

Background. Successive quit smoking contests undertaken as part of the Minnesota Heart Health Program had generated diminishing impact. The 1988 contest attempted to rejuvenate community interest and participation through a substantially extended enrollment period. Method. Smokers were eligible for monthly prize drawings and a grand prize drawing by entering the contest at any point between June 1988 and January 1989 and remaining abstinent for at least one month. The contest was promoted through newspaper advertisements, contest flyers, schools, and a community-wide direct mail campaign. Results. A total of 1,328 smokers returned initial interest cards and 918 (69.1 %) of these smokers returned quit pledges. Self-reported abstinence for pledgers and nonpledgers was 16.7% and 9.2%, respectively. Survival analysis indicated significantly longer periods of abstinence for pledgers (p = . 0001). Discussion. The extended contest was successful in recruiting smokers (almost 7% of the entire Bloomington smoking population vs. 1 % for a previous one-month contest), especially those with less than a high school education. The current contest required substantial expenditures. However, these costs could be dramatically reduced through innovative use of donated resources.
Development of a Scale to Measure Barriers to Health Promotion Activities among Persons with Disabilities
Authors: Becker Heather , Stuifbergen Alexa K. , Sands Dolores 
Published: December 2011

Subjectively-defined barriers to engaging in health promoting activities are one of the most important, yet least well operationalized, components in our models of health promotion. This article describes the development of a tool to measure barriers to health promotion among persons with disabilities. The Barriers to Health Activities among Disabled Persons scale (BHADP) is comprised of 16 items reflecting barriers to taking care of one's health identified from previous barriers literature and interviews with disabled persons. In a study of 135 disabled adults living in two southwestern cities, the BHADP yielded a Cronbach Alpha of .82 as a measure of internal consistency reliability. In addition, t-test analyses demonstrated a significant difference in scores between the disabled sample and a comparison group of 144 nondisabled adults, suggesting the BHADP discriminate between these groups. The BHADP may be useful in sensitizing health care providers to the wide range of barriers experienced by persons with disabilities, thereby enabling them to work more effectively with this special population.