Considering Efficacy of an Outdoor Environmental Education Program: Facilitating Elementary Students’ Environmental Knowledge, Attitudes, and Behaviours

Various sources have sought to consider the educational interventions that foster changes in perception of and attitudes toward nature, with the ultimate intent of understanding how education can be used to encourage environmentally responsible behaviours. With these in mind, the current study identified an outdoor environmental education program incorporating these empirically supported interventions, and assessed its ability to influence environmental knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours. Specifically, this study considered the following research questions: 1) To what degree can participation in this outdoor education program foster environmental knowledge and encourage pro-environmental attitudes and self-reported pro-environmental behaviours? 2) How is this effect different among students of different genders, and those who have different prior experiences in nature? Two motivational frameworks guided inquiry in the current study: the Value-Belief-Norm Model of Environmentalism (VBN) and the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB). The study employed a quantitative survey methodology, combining contemporary data measuring knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours with archived data collected by program staff, reflecting frequency of environmentally responsible behaviour. Further, a single qualitative item was included for which students provided “the first three words that [came] to mind when [they] think of the word nature.” Terms provided before and after the program were compared for differences in theme to detect subtle or underlying changes. Quantitative results indicated no significant change in student knowledge or attitudes through the outdoor environmental education program. However, a significant change in self-reported behaviour was identified from both the contemporary and archived data. This agreement in positive findings across the two data sets, collected using different measures and different participants, lends evidence of the program’s ability to encourage self-reported pro-environmental behaviour. Further, qualitative results showed some change in students’ perceptions of nature through the program, providing direction for future research. These findings suggest that this particular outdoor education program was successful in encouraging students’ self-reported environmentally responsible behaviour. This change was achieved without significant change in knowledge or environmental attitudes, suggesting that external factors not measured in this study might have played a role in affecting behaviour.

A Framework for Spatial Road Safety Assessment: Case Study of Northern Ireland

Road traffic injuries are a major health issue worldwide. There are many factors that can
affect the levels of road traffic collisions which in turn increase the levels of people killed or
seriously injured. When road traffic collisions occur, observed facts are recorded in relation
to the incident. These facts are recorded as variable observations, and for this study,
variables and indicators are defined almost equivalently. There can be hundreds of different
indicators for the various collisions, as different countries face different road situations. This
makes it difficult to perform a road safety assessment, which can be applied globally. The
goal of this study is to select the most appropriate indicators and create a composite
indicator as a function of these indicators, which can be used as summary values, allowing
ease of comparisons between the countries/regions that have undergone a road safety
assessment. The composite indicator will then be used to assess the current situation in
Northern Ireland and provide scores for ranking policing in terms of overall road safety on
their road networks.

Fetal Movements in late Pregnancy : Categorization, Self-assessment, and Prenatal Attachment in relation to women’s experiences

Aim: To explore how pregnant women experience fetal movements in late pregnancy. Specific aims were:  to study women’s experiences during the time prior to receiving news that their unborn baby had died in utero (I), to investigate women’s descriptions of fetal movements (II), investigate the association between the magnitude of fetal movements and level of prenatal attachment (III), and to study women’s experiences using two different self-assessment methods (IV). Methods: Interviews, questionnaires, and observations were used. Results: Premonition that something had happened to their unborn baby, based on a lack of fetal movements, was experienced by the participants. The overall theme “something is wrong” describes the women’s insight that the baby’s life was threatened (I). Fetal movements that were sorted into the domain “powerful movements” were perceived in late pregnancy by 96 % of the participants (II). Perceiving frequent fetal movements on at least three occasions per 24 hours was associated with higher scores of prenatal attachment in all the three subscales on PAI-R. The majority (55%) of the 456 participants reported average occasions of frequent fetal movements, 26% several occasions and 18% reported few occasions of frequent fetal movements, during the current gestational week.  (III). Only one of the 40 participants did not find at least one method for monitoring fetal movements suitable. Fifteen of the 39 participants reported a preference for the mindfetalness method and five for the count-to-ten method. The women described the observation of the movements as a safe and reassuring moment for communication with their unborn baby (IV). Conclusion:  In full-term and uncomplicated pregnancies, women usually perceive fetal movements as powerful. Furthermore, women in late pregnancy who reported frequent fetal movements on several occasions during a 24-hour period seem to have a high level of prenatal attachment. Women who used self-assessment methods for monitoring fetal movements felt calm and relaxed when observing the movements of their babies. They had a high compliance for both self-assessment methods. Women that had experienced a stillbirth in late pregnancy described that they had a premonition before they were told that their baby had died in utero. 

Phase I Environmental Site Assessment of the Proposed State Highway 60 Bypass Around Le Mars, Iowa, Plymouth County, Abridged Phase I, 2001

This report serves as a record of the Assessment activities, which consisted of a review of local, county, state, and federal records, interviews, and site reconnaissance. Sections 2 through 4 of this report document information gathered. during the records search and site visits for the Assessment. Section 5 presents the findings and conclusions of the Assessment.

Highway 60 Reconstruction Project : Final Environmental Impact Statement, 2004

The proposed reconstruction of Trunk Highway 60 is considered a Federal Class I Action because of the potential for significant impacts on the natural and physical environment. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is a full disclosure document that discusses the environmental impacts of a proposed Class I action. The Draft EIS, which was distributed in July 2002, is incorporated by reference herein and made a part of the Final EIS.

Seattle Campus Master Plan Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)

This is a SEPA Environmental Impact Statement as required by State regulations for analyzing the potential impacts of implementing the proposed Seattle Campus Master Plan for the University of Washington. Five action alternatives and the No Action Alternative have been analyzed for 15 elements of the environment.

Impacts of oil exploration and exploitation activities on marine environment

Iran possess huge oil reservoir and occupies second place in OPEC. Recent investigation has revealed that reservoir capacity in the country amount to 60 billion barrel of oil. Many measures has been carried out to increase production capacity of oil fields to 4.2 million barrel per day. Thus any distribution in oil exploration may leave adverse effects on social and economic activities. Unfortunately due to absence of a comprehensive CPM on environmental impact assessment, lots of environmental distribution has been occurred in land and off-shore. It is well known that implementation of EIA can reduce environmental hazards. In the present investigation, all major and minor activities associated with oil exploration is identified and subsequently their effects on physical, chemical and biological environment (aquatic) has been brought out. In this context, economical, social and cultural effects of marine oil exploration is also discussed. Subsequently, all methods of EIA were studied and best mitigation plans were drawn up both for exploitation and exploration phases.

People and their past : is 'community archaeology’ the future?

This thesis looks at how ‘community archaeology’ ideals may influence an inclusive approach to Indigenous heritage management, ensuring Indigenous community power over processes to identify both past and present values of Country. Community archaeology was acclaimed by research archaeologists over a decade ago as a distinctive approach with its own set of practices to incorporate the local community’s perspectives of its past and current associations with place. A core feature of this approach in Australia is the major role the Indigenous community has in decisions about its heritage. Concurrently, considerable concern was being expressed that Indigenous heritage was not sufficiently addressed in environmental impact assessment processes ahead of development. Seen as absent from the process was the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge about both the pre- and post-contact story as well as any scientific advance in understanding an area’s Indigenous history. This research examines these contrasting perspectives seeking to understand the ideals of community archaeology and its potential to value all aspects of Indigenous heritage and so benefit the relevant community. The ideals of community archaeology build on past community collaborations in Australia and also respond to more recent societal recognition of Indigenous rights, reflected in more ethically inclusive planning and heritage statutes. Indigenous communities expressed the view that current systems are still not meeting these policy commitments to give them control over their heritage. This research has examined the on-the-ground reality of heritage work on the outskirts of Canberra and Melbourne. The case studies compare Victorian and ACT heritage management processes across community partnerships with public land managers, and examine how pre-development surveys operate. I conclude that considerable potential for achieving community archaeology ideals exists, and that they are occasionally partially realised, however barriers continue. In essence, the archaeological model persists despite a community archaeology approach requiring a wider set of skills to ensure a comprehensive engagement with an Indigenous community. Other obstacles in the current Indigenous heritage management system include a lack of knowledge and communication about national standards for heritage processes in government agencies and heritage consultants; the administrative framework that can result in inertia or silos between relevant agencies; and funding timeframes that limit possibilities for long-term strategic programs for early identification and management planning for Indigenous heritage. Also, Indigenous communities have varying levels of authority to speak for how their heritage should be managed, yet may not have the resources to do so. This thesis suggests ways to breach these barriers to achieve more inclusive Indigenous heritage management based on community archaeology principles. Policies for a greater acknowledgement of the Indigenous community’s authority to speak for Country; processes that enable and early and comprehensive ‘mapping’ of Country, and long-term resourcing of communities, may have been promised before. In this research I suggest ways to realise such goals.

Simulação do transporte de poeiras radioactivas resultantes de um acidente no complexo de Angra dos Reis, Brasil

O objetivo da avaliação de impactos ambientais (AIA) é permitir uma análise integrada de possíveis impactos diretos ou indiretos ao meio ambiente decorrentes da implantação e operação de empreendimentos, de forma a propor de medidas ou programas que visem evitar, mitigar ou compensar tais impactos. Para tanto é necessário conhecer as diversas características das áreas direta e indiretamente afetadas pela instalação de um projeto, tais como as condições meteorológicas e climatológicas. Estas também são relevantes no estudo das emissões em cenários de operação regular ou acidental de empreendimentos, dada sua influência nas condições de transporte e de dispersão de poluentes na atmosfera. Neste trabalho é realizado um estudo das condições de dispersão de poluentes na atmosfera para a região da Central Nuclear Almirante Álvaro Alberto (CNAAA) em Angra dos Reis, no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, utilizando o modelo WRF, considerando um cenário acidental com liberações por 48 horas. Os dois episódios simulados representam os regimes de tempo predominantes na região obtidos a partir da análise pelo o método k-means sobre as EOFs para o campo de pressões ao nível médio do mar entre os anos de 1985 e 2014. A aplicação da metodologia dos regimes de tempo permite observar os fenômenos meteorológicos de grande escala persistentes e recorrentes sobre uma dada região, servindo como uma ferramenta para a elaboração de estudos e documentos técnicos que fundamentem a decisão dos órgãos reguladores.

Spatial multicriteria decision analysis to potential beekeeping assessment. Case study: Montesinho Natural Park (Portugal)

The Multicriteria decision analysis is a tool to support decision-making in the identification of areas with the utmost beekeeping potential. This paper design a GIS multicriteria approach to assess the beekeeping potential. The development of a conceptual model structure requires the participation of stakeholders and experts in that process. The spatial Multicriteria Decision Analysis (MCDA) allowed defining the potential beekeeping map. The resulting maps can be used by the beekeepers associations to easily select the more suitable areas for the apiaries location or relocation and avoid prohibited areas by legal requirements.

Application of GIS in potential beekeeping assessment: Case study of Montesinho Natural Park (Portugal)

Planners require solutions that address routine work needs and seems essential to improving efficiency and productivity. There are a great number of different factors related to beekeeper activity as well the quality and productivity of different bee products. The spatial analysis is a powerful tool for overlap and relates various levels of information on a map, and consequently a very useful for beekeeping activity planning. This work proposes and applies a methodology to potential beekeeping assessment in Montesinho Natural Park, a region in the northwest of Portugal. The beekeeping potential maps were developed with the following data sources: legal standards, vegetation, land use, topography, water resources, roads, electromagnetic fields, and some honey physico-chemical analysis. The design and implementation of spatial analysis model based on Geographic Information System (GIS) to beekeeping planning activities has already been described by Anjos et al (2014). Spatial analysis techniques allows to define the potential beekeeper map supporting the beekeeper management in this region. Anjos O, Silva G, Roque N, Fernandez P, 2014. GIS based analysis to support the beekeeping planning. Book of abstracts of the International Symposium on Bee Products 3rd edition – Annual meeting of the International Honey Commission (IHC), Faculty of medicine, University of Rijeka, p:61

Improving the assessment and outcome of free tissue transfer breast reconstruction

Introduction: Free tissue transfer using an abdominal tissue flap is a commonly used method of breast reconstruction. However, there are well recognised complications including venous congestion, fat necrosis and flap loss associated with the perfusion of these flaps. Post-operative aesthetic outcome assessment of such breast reconstructions have also proven to be difficult with current methods displaying poor inter-rater reliability and patient correlation. The aim of this research was to investigate potential improvements to the post-operative outcome of free abdominal tissue transfer breast reconstruction by assessing the effects of vascular augmentation interventions on flap perfusion and to assess the use of real-time digital video as a post-operative assessment tool. Methods: An in-vivo pilot study carried out on 12 patients undergoing DIEP flap breast reconstruction assessed the effect on Zone IV perfusion, using LDI and ICG angiography, of vascular augmentation of the flap using the contralateral SIEA and SIEV. A further animal experimental study was carried out on 12 Sprague Dawley rats to assess the effects on main pedicle arterial blood flow and on Zone I and Zone IV perfusion of vascular augmentation of the abdominal flap using the contralateral vascular system. A separate post-operative assessment study was undertaken on 35 breast reconstruction patients who evaluated their own reconstructions via patient questionnaire and underwent photograph and real-time digital video capture of their reconstructions with subsequent panel assessment. Results: Our results showed that combined vascular augmentation of DIEP flaps, using both the SIEA and SIEV together, led to an increase in Zone IV perfusion. Vascular augmentation of the rat abdominal flaps also led to a significant increase in Zone I/IV perfusion, but the augmentation procedure resulted in a decreased main pedicle arterial blood flow. Our post-operative assessment study revealed that real-time digital video footage led to greater inter-rater agreement with regards to cosmesis and shape than photography and also correlated more with patient self-assessment. Conclusion: Vascular augmentation of abdominal free tissue flaps using the contralateral vascular system results in an increase to Zone IV perfusion, however this may lead to decreased main pedicle arterial blood flow. Real-time digital video is a valid post-operative aesthetic assessment method of breast reconstruction outcome and is superior to static photography when coupled with panel assessment.

Oil spill environmental risk assessment of stationary sources in offshore zones (Innovating a mathematical model)

Nowadays, risks arising from the rapid development of oil and gas industries are significantly increasing. As a result, one of the main concerns of either industrial or environmental managers is the identification and assessment of such risks in order to develop and maintain appropriate proactive measures. Oil spill from stationary sources in offshore zones is one of the accidents resulting in several adverse impacts on marine ecosystems. Considering a site's current situation and relevant requirements and standards, risk assessment process is not only capable of recognizing the probable causes of accidents but also of estimating the probability of occurrence and the severity of consequences. In this way, results of risk assessment would help managers and decision makers create and employ proper control methods. Most of the represented models for risk assessment of oil spills are achieved on the basis of accurate data bases and analysis of historical data, but unfortunately such data bases are not accessible in most of the zones, especially in developing countries, or else they are newly established and not applicable yet. This issue reveals the necessity of using Expert Systems and Fuzzy Set Theory. By using such systems it will be possible to formulize the specialty and experience of several experts and specialists who have been working in petroliferous areas for several years. On the other hand, in developing countries often the damages to environment and environmental resources are not considered as risk assessment priorities and they are approximately under-estimated. For this reason, the proposed model in this research is specially addressing the environmental risk of oil spills from stationary sources in offshore zones.

Avaliação de Impacto Ambiental, Valorização do Efluente e dos Resíduos Sólidos da Indústria Corticeira

A preocupação com o meio ambiente, nomeadamente na descarga de águas residuais, consumo de água excessivo e produção de resíduos industriais, está cada vez mais presente no quotidiano. Devido a estas problemáticas, efetuou-se a avaliação de impacte ambiental (AIA) do processo produtivo das rolhas de cortiça naturais, tratamento das águas de cozedura da cortiça (estudo da possível reutilização do efluente tratado) e valorização de subprodutos – resíduo sólido (raspa de cortiça), sendo estes os objetivos propostos para a realização da presente dissertação. Na AIA, efetuada no decorrer das fases da Análise do Ciclo de Vida (ACV), foram selecionadas 8 categorias de impacte – aquecimento global, acidificação, dessecação, toxicidade e ecotoxicidade, eutrofização, consumo de recursos não renováveis e oxidação foto-química. A água de cozedura caracterizou-se por uma elevada carga poluente, apresentando elevada concentração de cor, Carência Química de Oxigénio (CQO), taninos e lenhina e Sólidos Suspensos Totais (SST). O processo de tratamento proposto consistiu num pré-tratamento por ultrafiltração (UF), com membranas de 30.000 e 20.000 MWCO, seguido de adsorção por carvão ativado (comercial e produzido a partir de raspa de cortiça). No tratamento por UF, utilizando uma membrana de 30.000 MWCO, foram obtidas percentagens de remoção para a primeira amostra de água de cozedura de 74,8 % para a cor, 33,1 % para a CQO e para a segunda amostra de 85,2 % para a cor e 41,8 % para a CQO. Posteriormente, apenas para a segunda amostra de água de cozedura e com uma membrana de 20.000 MWCO, as percentagens de remoção obtidas foram superiores, de 93% para a cor, 68,9 % para a CQO, 88,4 % para taninos e lenhina e 43,0 % para azoto total. No tratamento por adsorção com carvão ativado estudou-se o tempo de equilíbrio do carvão ativado comercial e do carvão ativado produzido a partir de aparas de cortiça, seguindo-se o estudo das isotérmicas de adsorção, no qual foram analisados os parâmetros da cor e CQO para cada solução. Os ajustes dos modelos teóricos aos pontos experimentais demonstraram que ambos os modelos (Langmuir e Freundlich) poderiam ser considerados, uma vez que apresentaram ajustes idênticos. Relativamente ao tratamento de adsorção em contínuo do permeado, obtido por UF com membrana de 20.000 MWCO, constatou-se que ambos os carvões ativados (comercial e produzido) não ficaram saturados, tendo em consideração os tempos de saturação estimados pela capacidade máxima de adsorção (determinada para a isotérmica de Langmuir) e as representações gráficas dos valores experimentais obtidos para cada ensaio. No ensaio de adsorção com carvão ativado comercial verificou-se que o efluente tratado poderia ser descarregado no meio hídrico ou reutilizado no processo industrial (considerando os parâmetros analisados), uma vez que até aos 11 minutos de ensaio a concentração da solução à saída foi de 111,50 mg/L O2, para a CQO, e incolor, numa diluição de 1:20. Em relação à adsorção em contínuo com carvão ativado produzido verificou-se no ensaio 4 que o efluente resultante apresentou uma concentração de CQO de 134,5 mg/L O2 e cor não visível, numa diluição de 1:20, ao fim de 1h22 min de ensaio. Assim, concluiu-se que os valores obtidos são inferiores aos valores limite de emissão (VLE) presentes no Decreto-Lei n.º 236/98 de 1 de Agosto. O carvão ativado produzido apresentou elevada área superficial específica, com 870 m2/g, comparativamente ao carvão comercial que foi de 661 m2/g. O processo de extração da suberina a partir de raspa de cortiça isenta de extraíveis, efetuado através da metanólise alcalina, apresentou percentagens de extração superiores aos restantes métodos. No processo efetuado em scale-up, por hidrólise alcalina, obteve-se uma extração de 3,76 % de suberina. A aplicação da suberina no couro demonstrou que esta cera apresenta enormes potencialidades, uma vez que a sua aplicação confere ao couro um aspeto sedoso, com mais brilho e um efeito de “pull-up”.

Assessment and Life-Cycle Analysis of Recycled Materials for Sustainable Highway

Recycled materials replacing part of virgin materials in highway applications has shown great benefits to the society and environment. Beneficial use of recycled materials can save landfill places, sparse natural resources, and energy consumed in milling and hauling virgin materials. Low price of recycled materials is favorable to cost-saving in pavement projects. Considering the availability of recycled materials in the State of Maryland (MD), four abundant recycled materials, recycled concrete aggregate (RCA), recycled asphalt pavement (RAP), foundry sand (FS), and dredged materials (DM), were studied. A survey was conducted to collect the information of current usage of the four recycled materials in States’ Department of Transportation (DOTs). Based on literature review, mechanical and environmental properties, recommendations, and suggested test standards were investigated separately for the four recycled materials in different applications. Constrains in using these materials were further studied in order to provide recommendations for the development of related MD specifications. To measure social and environmental benefits from using recycled materials, life-cycle assessment was carried out with life-cycle analysis (LCA) program, PaLATE, and green highway rating system, BEST-in-Highway. The survey results indicated the wide use of RAP and RCA in hot mix asphalt (HMA) and graded aggregate base (GAB) respectively, while FS and DM are less used in field. Environmental concerns are less, but the possibly low quality and some adverse mechanical characteristics may hinder the widely use of these recycled materials. Technical documents and current specifications provided by State DOTs are good references to the usage of these materials in MD. Literature review showed consistent results with the survey. Studies from experimental research or site tests showed satisfactory performance of these materials in highway applications, when the substitution rate, gradation, temperature, moisture, or usage of additives, etc. meet some requirements. The results from LCA revealed significant cost savings in using recycled materials. Energy and water consumption, gas emission, and hazardous waste generation generally showed reductions to some degree. Use of new recycled technologies will contribute to more sustainable highways.