The problematic use of social media has numerous negative impacts on individuals'daily lives,interpersonal relationships,physical and mental health,and more.Currently,there are few methods and tools to alleviate p...The problematic use of social media has numerous negative impacts on individuals'daily lives,interpersonal relationships,physical and mental health,and more.Currently,there are few methods and tools to alleviate problematic social media,and their potential is yet to be fully realized.Emerging large language models(LLMs)are becoming increasingly popular for providing information and assistance to people and are being applied in many aspects of life.In mitigating problematic social media use,LLMs such as ChatGPT can play a positive role by serving as conversational partners and outlets for users,providing personalized information and resources,monitoring and intervening in problematic social media use,and more.In this process,we should recognize both the enormous potential and endless possibilities of LLMs such as ChatGPT,leveraging their advantages to better address problematic social media use,while also acknowledging the limitations and potential pitfalls of ChatGPT technology,such as errors,limitations in issue resolution,privacy and security concerns,and potential overreliance.When we leverage the advantages of LLMs to address issues in social media usage,we must adopt a cautious and ethical approach,being vigilant of the potential adverse effects that LLMs may have in addressing problematic social media use to better harness technology to serve individuals and society.展开更多
AIM: To provide a comprehensive overview of clinical studies on the clinical picture of Internet-use related addictions from a holistic perspective. A literature search was conducted using the database Web of Science....AIM: To provide a comprehensive overview of clinical studies on the clinical picture of Internet-use related addictions from a holistic perspective. A literature search was conducted using the database Web of Science.METHODS: Over the last 15 years, the number of Internet users has increased by 1000%, and at the same time, research on addictive Internet use has proliferated. Internet addiction has not yet been understood very well, and research on its etiology and natural history is still in its infancy. In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association included Internet Gaming Disorder in the appendix of the updated version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders(DSM-5) as condition that requires further research prior to official inclusion in the main manual, with important repercussions for research and treatment. To date, reviews have focused on clinical and treatment studies of Internet addiction and Internet Gaming Disorder. This arguably limits the analysis to a specific diagnosis of a potential disorder that has not yet been officially recognised in the Western world, rather than a comprehensive and inclusive investigation of Internet-use related addictions(including problematic Internet use) more generally. RESULTS: The systematic literature review identified a total of 46 relevant studies. The included studies used clinical samples, and focused on characteristics of treatment seekers and online addiction treatment. Four main types of clinical research studies were identified, namely research involving(1) treatment seeker characteristics;(2) psychopharmacotherapy;(3) psychological therapy; and(4) combined treatment. CONCLUSION: A consensus regarding diagnostic criteria and measures is needed to improve reliability across studies and to develop effective and efficient treatment approaches for treatment seekers.展开更多
BACKGROUND Problematic Internet use(PIU)or Internet addiction has been recognized to be a behavioral addiction characterized by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations,urges,or behaviors regarding computer use a...BACKGROUND Problematic Internet use(PIU)or Internet addiction has been recognized to be a behavioral addiction characterized by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations,urges,or behaviors regarding computer use and Internet access that leads to impairment or distress resembling substance abuse.AIM To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of Internet use and abuse in a group of drug addicts from Southern Italy,by means of a specific questionnaire[“Questionario sull’Utilizzo delle Nuove Tecnologie”(QUNT)].METHODS All subjects(183)were heavy smokers,almost 50%of them used heroin and/or opioid compounds,30%alcohol,10%cannabis,8%cocaine,and 5%were polydrug users.Almost 10%of the individuals were also suffering from gambling disorder.RESULTS The time spent online was more than 4 hours a day in the total sample,with a slight prevalence in male subjects.Cocaine and cannabis users spent more than 6 hours online,significantly more than opioid and alcohol abusers.Distribution of the QUNT factors was not different in both sexes.Cocaine users showed higher scores at the“loss of control”,“pornography addiction”,and“addiction to social networks”factors,for the stimulant effect of this substance.Moreover,15 out of the total 17 cocaine users were pathological gamblers.Positive and statistically significant relationships were observed between some QUNT factors and body mass index.CONCLUSION These findings indicate that PIU is less severe in subjects taking sedative substances,such as heroin/opioids and alcohol,than in subjects taking stimulants.Alternatively,it may be used as a“stimulant”trigger in cocaine and cannabis users.Flattening effect of abuse drugs was noted on possible sex-related differences in QUNT items.We observed a sort of“protective”effect of a love relationship and/or living together with a partner,as those engaged subjects showed lower scores on different items than single subjects or those living alone.The relationship between time spent online(and related sedentary lifestyle)and body mass index would suggest that Internet use might be a contributing factor to increasing weight gain and obesity amongst adolescents and young adults worldwide.Our findings also highlighted the specific vulnerability of drug addicts who use stimulants,rather than sedative compounds,to other kinds of behavioral addictions,such as gambling disorder.展开更多
The current study used the structural components of Facebook games to select predictors of Problematic Video Game Play (PVGP) in relation to Facebook games. Based upon how game design and structure may interact with p...The current study used the structural components of Facebook games to select predictors of Problematic Video Game Play (PVGP) in relation to Facebook games. Based upon how game design and structure may interact with personality characteristics, the current study examined the effects of hypercompetitiveness, narcissism, reward responsiveness and psychological absorption on PVGP for a group of Facebook gamers. Moreover, the present study also observed how results may differ between Facebook gamers (n = 102), and a group of other (non-Facebook) gamers (n = 132). The Facebook group comprised 84% of females with an average age of 40.39 (SD = 14.00), whereas the other group of gamers consisted of 61% of males with an average age of 24.70 (SD = 7.86). Participants completed an online survey. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) revealed that an interaction between hypercompetitiveness and narcissism was the only significant predictor of PVGP for Facebook gamers. In contrast, a second structural model revealed that both hypercompetitiveness and psychological absorption were significant predictors of PVGP for other types of gamers. The findings from this study had important implications regarding the structure of video games and demographic differences between Facebook Gamers and other types of gamers.展开更多
Based on Nida’s Functional Equivalence theory,this article makes an analysis of the problems in C-E translations ofsigns in China.The author will discuss respectively the problematic C-E translations from two respect...Based on Nida’s Functional Equivalence theory,this article makes an analysis of the problems in C-E translations ofsigns in China.The author will discuss respectively the problematic C-E translations from two respects:1)not being equivalent tosource-language message,and 2)not being natural for target language.If translators work hard with the help of Nida’s functionalequivalence theory,the defects and imperfections will be discovered,and standard signs in English will be read more and more inpublic places.展开更多
Importance:Several studies conducted worldwide(mostly in Western countries)highlighted the negative effects of problematic internet use,particularly among adolescents aged 12 to 17,including depression,impulsivity,agg...Importance:Several studies conducted worldwide(mostly in Western countries)highlighted the negative effects of problematic internet use,particularly among adolescents aged 12 to 17,including depression,impulsivity,aggression,and social fear and avoidance.In Lebanon,literature on the prevalence and impact of problematic internet use among adolescents is limited.Objective:This study aim was to study the association between problematic internet use and depression,impulsivity,anger,aggression and social phobia among Lebanese adolescents.Methods:A cross-sectional study was performed on 1103 young adolescents(14-17 years),recruited from October 2017 till April 2018.The Internet Addiction Test(IAT)was used to evaluate the level of problematic internet use.Data were analyzed using the MANCOVA analysis.The main independent variable of interest was the IAT,while the dependent variables included the psychological scales.Results:The multivariate analysis taking the psychological scales as the dependent variables and the problematic internet use(IAT score)as an independent variable,showed that problematic internet use was associated with higher depression,impulsivity,aggression,anger,hostility and social anxiety.Interpretation:Problematic internet use has become an important health issue that should not be overlooked,particularly because of the increased use of the internet by adolescents.Educational programs on early exposure to the internet should be developed.展开更多
Next to the Beijing’s West Third Ring Road stands a building called Guanyuan Plaza.Flanked by residential apartments and bustling traffic,it is an unremarkable sight.Boring,even.
Fear of missing out(FoMO)is a unique term introduced in 2004 to describe a phenomenon observed on social networking sites.FoMO includes two processes;firstly,perception of missing out,followed up with a compulsive beh...Fear of missing out(FoMO)is a unique term introduced in 2004 to describe a phenomenon observed on social networking sites.FoMO includes two processes;firstly,perception of missing out,followed up with a compulsive behavior to maintain these social connections.We are interested in understanding the complex construct of FoMO and its relations to the need to belong and form stable interpersonal relationships.It is associated with a range of negative life experiences and feelings,due to it being considered a problematic attachment to social media.We have provided a general review of the literature and have summarized the findings in relation to mental health,social functioning,sleep,academic performance and productivity,neuro-developmental disorders,and physical well-being.We have also discussed the treatment options available for FoMo based on cognitive behavior therapy.It imperative that new findings on FoMO are communicated to the clinical community as it has diagnostic implications and could be a confounding variable in those who do not respond to treatment as usual.展开更多
This paper presents the results from a case study highlighting the difficulties of pile driving in diatomaceous soils.In the companion(first)paper to this article,results of an extensive laboratory and in situ testing...This paper presents the results from a case study highlighting the difficulties of pile driving in diatomaceous soils.In the companion(first)paper to this article,results of an extensive laboratory and in situ testing program were presented while the results from pile driving and further analysis of field observations were presented herein.Unexpected high pile rebound(HPR)was observed during driving of a closed-end pipe pile,with refusal occurring at a depth of less than 5 m.Subsequent open-ended piles were thus driven.Piezometer and case pile wave analysis program(CAPWAP)data were collected during driving of both closed-and open-end piles.Piezometer data indicated that negative pore water pressures(PWPs)were generated while the closed-ended pile exhibited high rebound.Results from in situ tests indicated change in material stiffness and strong dilative tendencies near the depth of refusal.A hypothesis for observed behavior was proposed that considers the soil beneath the pile as a medium with an effectively infinite bulk modulus.展开更多
To the editor The present problematic outbreak in Africa is the Ebola virus infection among local population in the capital of Guinea.It becomes a great concern since the present outbreak(March to April 2014)is consid...To the editor The present problematic outbreak in Africa is the Ebola virus infection among local population in the capital of Guinea.It becomes a great concern since the present outbreak(March to April 2014)is considered to be the biggest outbreak,the first discovery of this viral infection[1].A high death rate can be seen.Severe diarrhea and bleeding can be seen in almost all cases and death rate is very high(about 75%).Focusing on the present outbreak,there are many considerations on this situation.First,this outbreak occurs in urban area insead of a remote rural area。展开更多
Diatomaceous soils are comprised of the silica frustules of diatom microalgae that are present in marine and lacustrine environments throughout the world.Owing to their unique origin,diatomaceous soils are typically c...Diatomaceous soils are comprised of the silica frustules of diatom microalgae that are present in marine and lacustrine environments throughout the world.Owing to their unique origin,diatomaceous soils are typically characterized by high intraparticle porosity,complex particle shapes,and uniform mineralogy,causing them to exhibit atypical physical and engineering behaviors.A substantial deposit of diatomaceous silt was observed during site exploration for construction of the Buck Creek Bridge on OR140 near Klamath Falls,OR,USA.A comprehensive laboratory and in situ testing program indicated that the diatomaceous soil possessed“non-textbook”engineering properties.Specifically,tested samples had high liquid limits(≈100%-140%)with natural water contents at or near the liquid limit.Geologically,the soil is expected to be normally consolidated,yet high apparent overconsolidation ratios(OCR)(≈15-40)were observed both in oedometric consolidation tests and through cone penetration test(CPT)correlations.Standard penetration test(SPT)results show a corrected standard penetration resistance consistent with a medium-dense sand(i.e.(N1)_(60)≈25).CPT results include corrected tip resistances(qt)of approximately 7-10 MPa and excess pore pressures(u_(2))of up to 4 MPa.In CPT dissipation tests,pore water pressures(PWPs)returned to hydrostatic pressure in less than 1 h.In this work,we synthesize these seemingly disparate material properties in an attempt to infer appropriate engineering properties for the diatomaceous deposit at the Buck Creek Bridge and attempt to provide insight into the underlying reasons for the observed behavior.展开更多
To the editor,Sir,the present problematic Ebola virus(HBOV)infectionin Africa is the global concern.The pathogenesis and hostresponse to the EBOV infection is the interesting topic.
To the editor,Ebola virus infection is the new deadly viral infection that is presently problematic in many countries in Africa.The prevention of this disease seems to be difficult and the rapid distribution of diseas...To the editor,Ebola virus infection is the new deadly viral infection that is presently problematic in many countries in Africa.The prevention of this disease seems to be difficult and the rapid distribution of disease becomes the important issue for further discussion.As noted by Muyembe-Tamfum et al.[1],one of the major disease control measures is the distribution of protective equipment to health care workers.Gloves are important protective equipments展开更多
To the editor,Sir,the emerging influenza infection is the present global concern.There are many new emerging influenza infections at present and those infections are usually problematic.Of several new infections,the m...To the editor,Sir,the emerging influenza infection is the present global concern.There are many new emerging influenza infections at present and those infections are usually problematic.Of several new infections,the most recent emerging ones include to H6N1,H5N6 and H10N8 influenza infections.To learn the natural history of those three new emerging infections is very interesting and can give the data for further referencing.Here,the authors展开更多
The effect of cement on physiochemical properties of three types of soils i.e garden soil, agricultural soil and roadside soil was investigated. The ordinary Portland cement was used. The amount of cement added to soi...The effect of cement on physiochemical properties of three types of soils i.e garden soil, agricultural soil and roadside soil was investigated. The ordinary Portland cement was used. The amount of cement added to soil samples, as dry mass percentage was 20%. The results of analysis showed that the addition of cement is capable of bringing about changes in physiochemical properties of soil. The electrical conductivity and organic matter content in three soils get decreased by the addition of cement. While the pH, bulk density and water holding capacity of soils after the addition of cement gets increased. The soil found most suitable to be treated with cement was roadside soil. It was concluded that cement can be used to change the physiochemical properties of soil and this technique has great utility in improving the quality of problematic soils.展开更多
In today’s environment,where SME’s financing continues to be a serious problem,systems that facilitate non-bank financing models different from traditional ones should be considered.In the present article a model of...In today’s environment,where SME’s financing continues to be a serious problem,systems that facilitate non-bank financing models different from traditional ones should be considered.In the present article a model of financing based on bonds for SME’s is proposed,very suitable for the agricultural sector or any group with little access to traditional financing.To improve the analysis,a fuzzy logic system is proposed that allows the most representative variables to be properly selected and take into account the uncertainty of the environment and the subjectivity of the analysts.展开更多
The growing importance of the new technologies raises the question of the relationship between the individual and the digital world. One of the main motivations of internet usage is social communication. Among the few...The growing importance of the new technologies raises the question of the relationship between the individual and the digital world. One of the main motivations of internet usage is social communication. Among the few studies concerning internet usage and the attachment, most suggest a predisposition of insecure people to the excessive internet usage. All participants completed two self-administered questionnaires: RSQ (relationship scale questionnaire) and 1AT (internet addiction test). The self-administered questionnaires were put online: The link to the form was distributed by emails and social networks. Our results show a link between attachment anxiety and problematic internet usage. Internet could provide people having an attachment anxiety style a more reassuring environment to interact with others. The attachment preoccupation is a factor related to the problematic Intemet usage. A management that takes into account the motivations related to attachment may reduce recourse to the virtual world.展开更多
文摘The problematic use of social media has numerous negative impacts on individuals'daily lives,interpersonal relationships,physical and mental health,and more.Currently,there are few methods and tools to alleviate problematic social media,and their potential is yet to be fully realized.Emerging large language models(LLMs)are becoming increasingly popular for providing information and assistance to people and are being applied in many aspects of life.In mitigating problematic social media use,LLMs such as ChatGPT can play a positive role by serving as conversational partners and outlets for users,providing personalized information and resources,monitoring and intervening in problematic social media use,and more.In this process,we should recognize both the enormous potential and endless possibilities of LLMs such as ChatGPT,leveraging their advantages to better address problematic social media use,while also acknowledging the limitations and potential pitfalls of ChatGPT technology,such as errors,limitations in issue resolution,privacy and security concerns,and potential overreliance.When we leverage the advantages of LLMs to address issues in social media usage,we must adopt a cautious and ethical approach,being vigilant of the potential adverse effects that LLMs may have in addressing problematic social media use to better harness technology to serve individuals and society.
基金Supported by A grant from the European Commission("Tech Use Disorders"Grant ID:FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF-627999)awarded to Olatz Lopez-Fernandez
文摘AIM: To provide a comprehensive overview of clinical studies on the clinical picture of Internet-use related addictions from a holistic perspective. A literature search was conducted using the database Web of Science.METHODS: Over the last 15 years, the number of Internet users has increased by 1000%, and at the same time, research on addictive Internet use has proliferated. Internet addiction has not yet been understood very well, and research on its etiology and natural history is still in its infancy. In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association included Internet Gaming Disorder in the appendix of the updated version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders(DSM-5) as condition that requires further research prior to official inclusion in the main manual, with important repercussions for research and treatment. To date, reviews have focused on clinical and treatment studies of Internet addiction and Internet Gaming Disorder. This arguably limits the analysis to a specific diagnosis of a potential disorder that has not yet been officially recognised in the Western world, rather than a comprehensive and inclusive investigation of Internet-use related addictions(including problematic Internet use) more generally. RESULTS: The systematic literature review identified a total of 46 relevant studies. The included studies used clinical samples, and focused on characteristics of treatment seekers and online addiction treatment. Four main types of clinical research studies were identified, namely research involving(1) treatment seeker characteristics;(2) psychopharmacotherapy;(3) psychological therapy; and(4) combined treatment. CONCLUSION: A consensus regarding diagnostic criteria and measures is needed to improve reliability across studies and to develop effective and efficient treatment approaches for treatment seekers.
基金Supported by A grant from “Regione Calabria”,Italy
文摘BACKGROUND Problematic Internet use(PIU)or Internet addiction has been recognized to be a behavioral addiction characterized by excessive or poorly controlled preoccupations,urges,or behaviors regarding computer use and Internet access that leads to impairment or distress resembling substance abuse.AIM To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of Internet use and abuse in a group of drug addicts from Southern Italy,by means of a specific questionnaire[“Questionario sull’Utilizzo delle Nuove Tecnologie”(QUNT)].METHODS All subjects(183)were heavy smokers,almost 50%of them used heroin and/or opioid compounds,30%alcohol,10%cannabis,8%cocaine,and 5%were polydrug users.Almost 10%of the individuals were also suffering from gambling disorder.RESULTS The time spent online was more than 4 hours a day in the total sample,with a slight prevalence in male subjects.Cocaine and cannabis users spent more than 6 hours online,significantly more than opioid and alcohol abusers.Distribution of the QUNT factors was not different in both sexes.Cocaine users showed higher scores at the“loss of control”,“pornography addiction”,and“addiction to social networks”factors,for the stimulant effect of this substance.Moreover,15 out of the total 17 cocaine users were pathological gamblers.Positive and statistically significant relationships were observed between some QUNT factors and body mass index.CONCLUSION These findings indicate that PIU is less severe in subjects taking sedative substances,such as heroin/opioids and alcohol,than in subjects taking stimulants.Alternatively,it may be used as a“stimulant”trigger in cocaine and cannabis users.Flattening effect of abuse drugs was noted on possible sex-related differences in QUNT items.We observed a sort of“protective”effect of a love relationship and/or living together with a partner,as those engaged subjects showed lower scores on different items than single subjects or those living alone.The relationship between time spent online(and related sedentary lifestyle)and body mass index would suggest that Internet use might be a contributing factor to increasing weight gain and obesity amongst adolescents and young adults worldwide.Our findings also highlighted the specific vulnerability of drug addicts who use stimulants,rather than sedative compounds,to other kinds of behavioral addictions,such as gambling disorder.
文摘The current study used the structural components of Facebook games to select predictors of Problematic Video Game Play (PVGP) in relation to Facebook games. Based upon how game design and structure may interact with personality characteristics, the current study examined the effects of hypercompetitiveness, narcissism, reward responsiveness and psychological absorption on PVGP for a group of Facebook gamers. Moreover, the present study also observed how results may differ between Facebook gamers (n = 102), and a group of other (non-Facebook) gamers (n = 132). The Facebook group comprised 84% of females with an average age of 40.39 (SD = 14.00), whereas the other group of gamers consisted of 61% of males with an average age of 24.70 (SD = 7.86). Participants completed an online survey. Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) revealed that an interaction between hypercompetitiveness and narcissism was the only significant predictor of PVGP for Facebook gamers. In contrast, a second structural model revealed that both hypercompetitiveness and psychological absorption were significant predictors of PVGP for other types of gamers. The findings from this study had important implications regarding the structure of video games and demographic differences between Facebook Gamers and other types of gamers.
文摘Based on Nida’s Functional Equivalence theory,this article makes an analysis of the problems in C-E translations ofsigns in China.The author will discuss respectively the problematic C-E translations from two respects:1)not being equivalent tosource-language message,and 2)not being natural for target language.If translators work hard with the help of Nida’s functionalequivalence theory,the defects and imperfections will be discovered,and standard signs in English will be read more and more inpublic places.
文摘Importance:Several studies conducted worldwide(mostly in Western countries)highlighted the negative effects of problematic internet use,particularly among adolescents aged 12 to 17,including depression,impulsivity,aggression,and social fear and avoidance.In Lebanon,literature on the prevalence and impact of problematic internet use among adolescents is limited.Objective:This study aim was to study the association between problematic internet use and depression,impulsivity,anger,aggression and social phobia among Lebanese adolescents.Methods:A cross-sectional study was performed on 1103 young adolescents(14-17 years),recruited from October 2017 till April 2018.The Internet Addiction Test(IAT)was used to evaluate the level of problematic internet use.Data were analyzed using the MANCOVA analysis.The main independent variable of interest was the IAT,while the dependent variables included the psychological scales.Results:The multivariate analysis taking the psychological scales as the dependent variables and the problematic internet use(IAT score)as an independent variable,showed that problematic internet use was associated with higher depression,impulsivity,aggression,anger,hostility and social anxiety.Interpretation:Problematic internet use has become an important health issue that should not be overlooked,particularly because of the increased use of the internet by adolescents.Educational programs on early exposure to the internet should be developed.
文摘Next to the Beijing’s West Third Ring Road stands a building called Guanyuan Plaza.Flanked by residential apartments and bustling traffic,it is an unremarkable sight.Boring,even.
文摘Fear of missing out(FoMO)is a unique term introduced in 2004 to describe a phenomenon observed on social networking sites.FoMO includes two processes;firstly,perception of missing out,followed up with a compulsive behavior to maintain these social connections.We are interested in understanding the complex construct of FoMO and its relations to the need to belong and form stable interpersonal relationships.It is associated with a range of negative life experiences and feelings,due to it being considered a problematic attachment to social media.We have provided a general review of the literature and have summarized the findings in relation to mental health,social functioning,sleep,academic performance and productivity,neuro-developmental disorders,and physical well-being.We have also discussed the treatment options available for FoMo based on cognitive behavior therapy.It imperative that new findings on FoMO are communicated to the clinical community as it has diagnostic implications and could be a confounding variable in those who do not respond to treatment as usual.
文摘This paper presents the results from a case study highlighting the difficulties of pile driving in diatomaceous soils.In the companion(first)paper to this article,results of an extensive laboratory and in situ testing program were presented while the results from pile driving and further analysis of field observations were presented herein.Unexpected high pile rebound(HPR)was observed during driving of a closed-end pipe pile,with refusal occurring at a depth of less than 5 m.Subsequent open-ended piles were thus driven.Piezometer and case pile wave analysis program(CAPWAP)data were collected during driving of both closed-and open-end piles.Piezometer data indicated that negative pore water pressures(PWPs)were generated while the closed-ended pile exhibited high rebound.Results from in situ tests indicated change in material stiffness and strong dilative tendencies near the depth of refusal.A hypothesis for observed behavior was proposed that considers the soil beneath the pile as a medium with an effectively infinite bulk modulus.
文摘To the editor The present problematic outbreak in Africa is the Ebola virus infection among local population in the capital of Guinea.It becomes a great concern since the present outbreak(March to April 2014)is considered to be the biggest outbreak,the first discovery of this viral infection[1].A high death rate can be seen.Severe diarrhea and bleeding can be seen in almost all cases and death rate is very high(about 75%).Focusing on the present outbreak,there are many considerations on this situation.First,this outbreak occurs in urban area insead of a remote rural area。
基金This work was funded by the Oregon Department of Transportation(ODOT),which is gratefully acknowledged.
文摘Diatomaceous soils are comprised of the silica frustules of diatom microalgae that are present in marine and lacustrine environments throughout the world.Owing to their unique origin,diatomaceous soils are typically characterized by high intraparticle porosity,complex particle shapes,and uniform mineralogy,causing them to exhibit atypical physical and engineering behaviors.A substantial deposit of diatomaceous silt was observed during site exploration for construction of the Buck Creek Bridge on OR140 near Klamath Falls,OR,USA.A comprehensive laboratory and in situ testing program indicated that the diatomaceous soil possessed“non-textbook”engineering properties.Specifically,tested samples had high liquid limits(≈100%-140%)with natural water contents at or near the liquid limit.Geologically,the soil is expected to be normally consolidated,yet high apparent overconsolidation ratios(OCR)(≈15-40)were observed both in oedometric consolidation tests and through cone penetration test(CPT)correlations.Standard penetration test(SPT)results show a corrected standard penetration resistance consistent with a medium-dense sand(i.e.(N1)_(60)≈25).CPT results include corrected tip resistances(qt)of approximately 7-10 MPa and excess pore pressures(u_(2))of up to 4 MPa.In CPT dissipation tests,pore water pressures(PWPs)returned to hydrostatic pressure in less than 1 h.In this work,we synthesize these seemingly disparate material properties in an attempt to infer appropriate engineering properties for the diatomaceous deposit at the Buck Creek Bridge and attempt to provide insight into the underlying reasons for the observed behavior.
文摘To the editor,Sir,the present problematic Ebola virus(HBOV)infectionin Africa is the global concern.The pathogenesis and hostresponse to the EBOV infection is the interesting topic.
文摘To the editor,Ebola virus infection is the new deadly viral infection that is presently problematic in many countries in Africa.The prevention of this disease seems to be difficult and the rapid distribution of disease becomes the important issue for further discussion.As noted by Muyembe-Tamfum et al.[1],one of the major disease control measures is the distribution of protective equipment to health care workers.Gloves are important protective equipments
文摘To the editor,Sir,the emerging influenza infection is the present global concern.There are many new emerging influenza infections at present and those infections are usually problematic.Of several new infections,the most recent emerging ones include to H6N1,H5N6 and H10N8 influenza infections.To learn the natural history of those three new emerging infections is very interesting and can give the data for further referencing.Here,the authors
文摘The effect of cement on physiochemical properties of three types of soils i.e garden soil, agricultural soil and roadside soil was investigated. The ordinary Portland cement was used. The amount of cement added to soil samples, as dry mass percentage was 20%. The results of analysis showed that the addition of cement is capable of bringing about changes in physiochemical properties of soil. The electrical conductivity and organic matter content in three soils get decreased by the addition of cement. While the pH, bulk density and water holding capacity of soils after the addition of cement gets increased. The soil found most suitable to be treated with cement was roadside soil. It was concluded that cement can be used to change the physiochemical properties of soil and this technique has great utility in improving the quality of problematic soils.
文摘In today’s environment,where SME’s financing continues to be a serious problem,systems that facilitate non-bank financing models different from traditional ones should be considered.In the present article a model of financing based on bonds for SME’s is proposed,very suitable for the agricultural sector or any group with little access to traditional financing.To improve the analysis,a fuzzy logic system is proposed that allows the most representative variables to be properly selected and take into account the uncertainty of the environment and the subjectivity of the analysts.
文摘The growing importance of the new technologies raises the question of the relationship between the individual and the digital world. One of the main motivations of internet usage is social communication. Among the few studies concerning internet usage and the attachment, most suggest a predisposition of insecure people to the excessive internet usage. All participants completed two self-administered questionnaires: RSQ (relationship scale questionnaire) and 1AT (internet addiction test). The self-administered questionnaires were put online: The link to the form was distributed by emails and social networks. Our results show a link between attachment anxiety and problematic internet usage. Internet could provide people having an attachment anxiety style a more reassuring environment to interact with others. The attachment preoccupation is a factor related to the problematic Intemet usage. A management that takes into account the motivations related to attachment may reduce recourse to the virtual world.