Alcohol expectancies and drinking refusal self-efficacy mediate the association of impulsivity with alcohol misuse

<b>Background:</b> Recent work suggests that 2 biologically based traits convey risk for alcohol misuse: reward sensitivity &frasl; drive and (rash) impulsiveness. However, the cognitive mechanisms through which these traits convey risk are unclear. This study tested a model predicting that the risk conveyed by reward sensitivity is mediated by a learning bias for the reinforcing outcomes of alcohol consumption (i.e., positive alcohol expectancy). The model also proposed that the risk conveyed by rash impulsiveness (RI) is mediated by drinkers&rsquo; perceived ability to resist alcohol (i.e., drinking refusal self-efficacy).<br /><b>Methods:</b> Study 1 tested the model in a sample of young adults (n = 342). Study 2 tested the model in a sample of treatment-seeking substance abusers (n = 121). All participants completed a battery of personality, cognitive, and alcohol use questionnaires and models were tested using structural equation modeling.<br /><b>Results:</b> In both studies, the hypothesized model was found to provide a good fit to the data, and a better fit than alternative models. In both young adults and treatment-seeking individuals, positive alcohol expectancy fully mediated the association between reward sensitivity and hazardous alcohol use. For treatment seekers, drinking refusal self-efficacy fully mediated the association between RI and hazardous drinking. However, there was partial mediation in the young adult sample. Furthermore, neither trait was directly associated with the other cognitive mediator.<br /><b>Conclusions:</b> The hypothesized model was confirmed on a large sample of young adults and replicated on a sample of treatment-seeking substance abusers. Taken together, these findings shed further light on the mechanisms through which an impulsive temperament may convey risk for alcohol misuse.<br />

How usage influences young adult voting decision-making: an SEM analysis

Political marketing is increasing in importance as a field of study, and despite decades of study, researchers suggest that still more focus needs to be on the voter as a consumer. This article addresses the need by analyzing consumer voting decision-making. Voting decision-making research by O&rsquo;Cass&nbsp;(2002a) and O&rsquo;Cass and Pecotich&nbsp;(2005) was replicated and extended specifically for young adult (ages 18&ndash;25) voters using quantitative data collected in Australia using a self-completion survey. This model was adapted to include an additional construct of commitment to voting, then tested across two groups of young adult voters: those who previously voted for the current political party in power and those who did not. Structural equation modeling was used to compare lower-involvement voting decisions of the two groups of young adults. The results showed that an influential factor on young voter decision-making was their previous behavior, or usage, of the political party. This was especially strong in voters who had previously voted for the current party in power. Those who did not vote for the current party in power required more steps in deciding whom to vote for. Implications for political marketing practice are also provided.

Scalable production of wrinkled and few-layered graphene sheets and their use for oil and organic solvent absorption

High-quality wrinkled and few-layered graphene sheets have been produced via a mechano-thermal exfoliation process for a simple, effective and low-cost mass production. Graphene sheets were produced by first ball milling of graphite with ammonium chloride followed by thermal annealing at 800 &deg;C in nitrogen gas. The few layered graphene sheets show highly efficient selectivity and capacity for the absorption of petroleum products as well as organic solvents such as ethanol, cyclohexane and chloroform (up to 82, 42 and 98 times of their own weight, respectively). The saturated few-layered graphene sheets can be cleaned for reuse by simply burning in air. The low-cost strategy for mass production and easy recycling routes demonstrate the great potential of few-layered graphene sheets for oil removal.

Are oil shocks permanent or temporary? panel data evidence from crude oil and NGL production in 60 countries

This paper examines the unit root properties of crude oil production for 60 countries employing a range of panel data unit root tests for the period 1971 to 2003. The study first employs a number of panel data tests that do not accommodate structural breaks and then proceeds to apply the Lagrange Multiplier (LM) panel unit root test with one structural break. The results of the panel data tests without a structural break are inconclusive with at best mixed support for joint stationarity. The findings from the LM panel unit root test with a structural break, however, are conclusive, suggesting that for a world panel and smaller regional-based panels, crude oil and NGL production are jointly stationary.<br />

Opportunity and risk management for complex oil and gas developments

The thesis examines complex new oil and gas field developments, when growing the business from current capabilities and practice to the frontiers of undeveloped reservoirs. The contributors to complexity were identified, and an integrated methodology for opportunity and risk management, assessment and analysis was developed to produce more credible forecasts.

Evaluation of bread crumbs as a potential carbon source for the growth of Thraustochytrid species for oil and omega-3 production

The utilization of food waste by microorganisms to produce omega-3 fatty acids or biofuel is a potentially low cost method with positive environmental benefits. In the present study, the marine microorganisms Thraustochytrium sp. AH-2 and Schizochytrium sp. SR21 were used to evaluate the potential of breadcrumbs as an alternate carbon source for the production of lipids under static fermentation conditions. For the Thraustochytrium sp. AH-2, submerged liquid fermentation with 3% glucose produced 4.3 g/L of biomass and 44.16 mg/g of saturated fatty acids after seven days. Static fermentation with 0.5% and 1% breadcrumbs resulted in 2.5 and 4.7 g/L of biomass, and 42.4 and 33.6 mg/g of saturated fatty acids, respectively. Scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies confirmed the growth of both strains on breadcrumbs. Attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy for both strains were consistent with the utilization of breadcrumbs for the production of unsaturated lipids, albeit at relatively low levels. The total lipid yield for static fermentation with bread crumbs was marginally lower than that of fermentation with glucose media, while the yield of unsaturated fatty acids was considerably lower, indicating that static fermentation may be more appropriate for the production of biodiesel than for the production of omega-3 rich oils in these strains.

A multi-criteria decision approach to decommissioning of offshore oil and gas infrastructure

Thousands of the world's offshore oil and gas structures are approaching obsolescence and will require decommissioning within the next decade. Many nations have blanket regulations requiring obsolete structures to be removed, yet this option is unlikely to yield optimal environmental, societal and economic outcomes in all situations. We propose that nations adopt a flexible approach that allows decommissioning options to be selected from the full range of alternatives (including 'rigs-to-reefs' options) on a case-by-case basis. We outline a method of multi-criteria decision analysis (Multi-criteria Approval, MA) for evaluating and comparing alternative decommissioning options across key selection criteria, including environmental, financial, socioeconomic, and health and safety considerations. The MA approach structures the decision problem, forces explicit consideration of trade-offs and directly involves stakeholder groups in the decision process. We identify major decommissioning options and provide a generic list of selection criteria for inclusion in the MA decision process. To deal with knowledge gaps concerning environmental impacts of decommissioning, we suggest that expert opinion feed into the MA approach until sufficient data become available. We conducted a limited trial of the MA decision approach to demonstrate its application to a complex and controversial decommissioning scenario; Platform Grace in southern California. The approach indicated, for this example, that the option 'leave in place intact' would likely provide best environmental outcomes in the event of future decommissioning. In summary, the MA approach will allow the environmental, social, and economic impacts of decommissioning decisions to be assessed simultaneously in a transparent manner. &copy; 2013 Elsevier Ltd.

Water quality, bacterial flora and production in shrimp farms in Sri Lanka

This study investigated the possibilities of improvement in the brackish water shrimp culture industry in Sri Lanka. Feeding rates could be further reduced without negative effect on shrimp growth while improving effluent water quality. Improvements of feed quality and pond management practices were also suggested.

Rapeseed (canola) oil and other monounsaturated fatty acid-rich vegetable oils

Rapeseed (canola) and other monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA)-rich oils are viewed as good candidates to replace, at least partially, the fish oil normally included in aquaculture feeds (aquafeeds). In fact, their utilization as a dietary lipid source for aquatic animals has some advantages over other readily available terrestrial alternative oils and fats; however, this is not without difficulties. MUFA are, indeed, easily digestible and a good source of available energy, and their deposition into fish flesh is considered to be less detrimental than other fatty acid classes, from a human nutritional viewpoint. This chapter attempts to review the principal information available regarding the utilization of MUFA-rich vegetable oil (VO) in aquaculture feed. Initially the chapter focuses on the rapeseed oil eRa) industry, agronomy, quality improvement, processing, and uses, and the main chemical and physical characteristics of rapeseed oil and other MUFA-rich va such as olive oil, peanut oil, and rice bran oil, amongst others. Following this, the potential advantages and challenges of using these alternative oils in the aquaculture feed industry are presented and discussed.<br />

Technical features of BIM servers for collaboration on building and construction projects

This paper reviews the technical features and requirements of Building Information Modelling (BIM)-servers as collaboration platforms for multi-disciplinary building and construction projects. Multi-disciplinary collaboration is the norm in the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) industries, especially in complex projects. The widespread adoption of object-oriented Computer-aided Design (CAD) tools that support BIM capabilities has generated greater interest in model based exchange of information across disciplines and consultants who have traditionally collaborated through the frequent exchange of 2D drawings and documents. BIM-servers are collaboration platforms that are expected to provide the technical capability to support this inter-disciplinary exchange of 3D models in addition to intelligent management of the related drawings, documents and other forms of data. Since BIM-servers are a recent technical development a review of their technical features can help further development. This paper serves this objective by providing a review of the technical features and requirements for using BIM-servers as multi-disciplinary collaboration platforms on building and construction projects. The methodologies include focus group interviews (FIGs) with representatives from the diverse AEC disciplines, a case study on a state-of-the-art BIM-server, and a critical review and analysis of current collaboration platforms that are available to the AEC industries. This paper concludes that greater emphasis should be placed on supporting technical requirements to facilitate technology management and implementation across disciplines. Their implications for user-centric technology development in design and construction industry are also discussed.

Economic growth with coal, oil and renewable energy consumption in China: prospects for fuel substitution

We examine the relationship between Chinese aggregate production and consumption of three main energy commodities: coal, oil and renewable energy. Both autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) and vector error correction modeling (VECM) show that Chinese growth is led by all three energy sources. Economic growth also causes coal, oil and renewables consumption, but with negative own-price effects for coal and oil and a strong possibility of fuel substitution through positive cross-price effects. The results further show coal consumption causing pollution, while renewable energy consumption reduces emissions. No significant causation on emissions is found for oil. Hence, making coal both absolutely and relatively expensive compared to oil and renewable energy encourages shifting from coal to oil and renewable energy, thereby improving economic and environmental sustainability.