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Five sediment cores from the Lomonosov Ridge and the Morris Jesup Rise north of Greenland show the history of sea-ice coverage and primary productivity over the last two glacial cycles. Variations in Manganese content, benthic and planktonic foraminifera, bioturbation, and trace fossil diversity are interpreted to reflect differences in sea-ice cover and sediment depositional conditions between the identified interglacials. Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 1 and MIS 2 are represented by thin (<<5 cm) sediment units while the preceding interglacial MIS 5 and glacial MIS 6 are characterized by thick (10–20 cm) deposits. Foraminiferal abundances and bioturbation suggest that MIS 1 was generally characterized by severe sea-ice conditions north of Greenland while MIS 5 appears to have been considerably warmer with more open water, higher primary productivity, and higher sedimentation rates. Strengthened flow of Atlantic water along the northern continental shelf of Greenland rather than development of local polynyas is here suggested as a likely cause for the relatively warmer marine conditions during MIS 5 compared to MIS 1. The cores also suggest distinct differences between the glacial intervals MIS 2 and MIS 6. While MIS 6 is distinguished by a relatively thick sediment unit poor in foraminifera and with low Mn values, MIS 2 is practically missing. We speculate that this could be the effect from a paleocrystic sea-ice cover north of Greenland during MIS 2 that prevented sediment delivery from sea ice and icebergs. In contrast, the thick sequence deposited during MIS 6 indicates a longer glacial period with dynamic intervals characterized by huge drifting icebergs delivering ice rafted debris (IRD). A drastic shift from thinner sedimentary cycles where interglacial sediment parameters indicate more severe sea-ice conditions gave way to larger amplitude cycles with more open water indicators was observed around the boundary between MIS 7/8. This shift is in agreement with a sedimentary regime shift previously identified in the Eurasian Basin and may be an indicator for the growth of larger ice sheets on the Eurasian landmass during the penultimate glacial period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Taiwan has deemed driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) to be criminal, and offenders are subjected to fines and jail penalties without being offered alcohol-related treatment, although alcohol use problems are prevalent in this population. We followed the recidivism records of DUI repeat offenders for one year after they had received a newly established legal-medical joint intervention program for alcohol treatment and examined factors related to postintervention recidivism. In this study, 231 DUI repeat offenders with alcohol use problems screened out by the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test were referred from the prosecutors' office to one psychiatric hospital for SBIRT-based alcohol treatment. We divided the participants into two groups based on the official recidivism records within the year following the end of treatment. The study used a Cox proportional hazards model to examine the hazard ratio of the baseline clinical characteristics and intervention duration for post-treatment recidivism. The study used generalized estimation equation models to examine changes in psychological symptoms and drinking behaviors over time. We found that participants who recidivated in the next year after intervention did not differ from those without recidivism records in all measurements except for the length of duration they stayed in treatment. Survival analysis determined that participants who had received the intervention for >4 months showed significantly lower rates of one-year postintervention recidivism rates The study participants showed improved psychological symptoms and drinking behaviors during the follow-up period. In conclusion, adequate duration of alcohol treatment is a significant factor associated with a lower risk of postintervention recidivism. The results provide some insight into the design of a collaborative program between legal and medical systems to reduce DUI recidivism and improve mental health of DUI repeat offenders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research simulates the conduction-radiation problem in a complex enclosure for the gray/ non-gray assumptions with the presence of scattering influences to improve energy efficiency of thermal systems. The enclosure bottom wall includes an inclined recess with two diagonal walls. To convert these diagonal surfaces to the regular rectangular surfaces in Cartesian coordinates, the Blocked-off method is used. The air containing 10% CO 2 and 20% H 2 O is regarded as participating medium in the enclosure. The absorption coefficient of this mixture is obtained across the spectrum using the information of HITRAN2008 database. Simulating the non-gray medium is done by employing the full-spectrum k-distribution (FSK) approach, whilst the gray medium simulation is performed utilizing the Planck mean absorption coefficient. The finite volume and discrete ordinates methods are respectively applied to calculate the energy and radiation transport equations. Impacts of surface emissivity on conductive, radiative and total heat fluxes are examined in details. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Distinct drinking profiles of DUI for motorcyclists and car drivers are yet unknown. • Two-thirds of first-time DUI offenders were motorcyclists in Taiwan. • Car driving offenders reported more frequent DUI than motorcycle riding offenders. • Workplace drinking before DUI was associated with frequent DUI among car drivers. • Different strategies in DUI prevention for car drivers and motoclyclists are needed. Driving/riding under the influence (DUI) of alcohol is a major public concern worldwide. Only a few studies have distinguished DUI-related variables between motorcyclists and car drivers. This study examined the differences in demographic characteristics and drinking behaviors among first-time DUI offenders operating different transportation vehicles, and risk factors for frequent DUI (fDUI) among them. We conducted an anonymous survey for 561 first-time DUI offenders who attended a mandatory educational program. Participants self-administered questionnaires concerning alcohol drinking behaviors and DUI. We defined fDUI as at least two DUI behaviors per month based on self-reported information. Demographic and drinking characteristics were compared between DUI offenders, car drivers and motorcyclists. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine risk factors for fDUI. Two-thirds of first-time DUI offenders were motorcyclists. Compared with car drivers, motorcyclists were younger and less educated, with a higher percentage of them being women and unmarried. Car drivers reported a higher rate of fDUI than motorcyclists (16.5% vs. 9.7%). Regression analysis revealed that binge drinkers had a higher fDUI risk in both groups. Regarding the drinking place prior to DUI behavior, workplace was significantly associated with fDUI in car drivers. Distinct strategies may be required for motorcyclists and car drivers for DUI recidivism prevention, and drinking place interventions should also be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]