The Conversion of Four Lane Undivded Urban Roadways to Three Lane Facilities, 2007

In recent years, many traffic engineers have advocated converting four-lane undivided urban streets to threelane two-way left-turn facilities. A number of these conversions have been successfully implemented. Accident rates have decreased while corridor and intersection levels of service remained acceptable. This conversion concept is yet another viable alternative “tool” to place in our urban safety/congestion toolbox.

In vitro assessment of the pulmonary toxicity and gastric availability of lead-rich particles from a lead recycling plant

Epidemiological studies in urban areas have linked increasing respiratory and cardiovascular pathologies with atmospheric particulate matter (PM) from anthropic activities. However, the biological fate of metal-rich PM industrial emissions in urban areas of developed countries remains understudied. Lead toxicity and bioaccessibility assessments were therefore performed on emissions from a lead recycling plant, using complementary chemical acellular tests and toxicological assays, as a function of PM size (PM(10-2.5), PM(2.5-1) and PM(1)) and origin (furnace, refining and channeled emissions). Process PM displayed differences in metal content, granulometry, and percentage of inhalable fraction as a function of their origin. Lead gastric bioaccessibility was relatively low (maximum 25%) versus previous studies; although, because of high total lead concentrations, significant metal quantities were solubilized in simulated gastrointestinal fluids. Regardless of origin, the finest PM(1) particles induced the most significant pro-inflammatory response in human bronchial epithelial cells. Moreover, this biological response correlated with pro-oxidant potential assay results, suggesting some biological predictive value for acellular tests. Pulmonary effects from lead-rich PM could be driven by thiol complexation with either lead ions or directly on the particulate surface. Finally, health concern of PM was discussed on the basis of pro-inflammatory effects, accellular test results, and PM size distribution.

Activities of tabanids (Diptera, Tabanidae) attacking domestic duck-Cairina moschata (Linnaeus) (Aves, Anatidae), introduced in a forest area in the Central Amazon, Manaus, Brazil

Presented here are the feeding habits, attack behavior, daily and annual activity of adult of Phorcotabanus cinereus (Wiedeman, 1821), Chrysops laetus (Fabricius, 1805) and Phaeotabanus cajennensis (Fabricius, 1787), while biting a domestic duck, Cairina moschata (Linnaeus, 1758). The last two species were recorded for the first time attacking birds. This study comprehended monthly observations of two consecutive days from April/97 to March/98 between 5:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. at the Army Instructional Base ((BI-2/CIGS) near Manaus. Annual occurrence of P. cinereus was from July to September, with a daily occurrence between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and highest activity at 12:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. C. laetus ocurred from June to October; with a daily occurrence between 8:00 a.m. and 3 p.m. and highest activity at 11:00 and 12:00 a.m. Occurrence of P. cajennensis with one specimen only, was in July between 10:00 and 11:00 a.m.

Improving Transition Outcomes: Resource Mapping Workshop: Activities

Activities used during the Improving Transition Outcomes Resource Mapping Workshops

Entre a Terra e o Mar - Grau de Satisfação dos Cruzeiristas na Ilha de São Vicente

Este trabalho apresenta os resultados de um estudo realizado em São Vicente, de Março a Abril de 2012 a turistas de cruzeiro. Este estudo teve como objectivo analisar o perfile a satisfação dos visitantes durante a sua estadia na ilha, para ajudar a indústria do turismo na melhoria do produto e infra-estrutura turística, e ao fazê-lo melhorar aexperiência para os cruzeiristas. O estudo foi conduzido através da revisão da literaturasobre turismo de cruzeiro, imagem do destino, elementos da oferta turística, qualidade esatisfação e sua relação com o turismo. Para a avaliação do perfil e satisfação do turistade cruzeiro, aplicou-se um questionário a uma amostra de 131 cruzeiristas, no fim dasua visita à ilha. Os resultados do questionário aplicado aos cruzeiristas evidenciaram maior satisfação com aspectos como paisagem natural, clima, simpatia da população local, oportunidadepara conhecer pessoas e limpeza urbana. Os atributos que demonstraram valores maisaltos de insatisfação são: museus, sanitários, gastronomia, sinalização, serviços derestauração e de informação turística. O perfil do cruzeirista é caracterizado pela disponibilidade em viajar, nível académico eprofissional médio alto, poder de compra médio alto e de média idade. Verificou-se que os vários sectores não estão bem organizados e integrados entre si paraatender às necessidades e desejos dos visitantes. Assim, recomenda-se uma série deactividades, tendo em vista, minimizar os aspectos negativos identificados peloscruzeiristas e integrar a oferta turística entre os vários elementos que a compõem. This research is based on the results acquired from tourists who traveled to the island of Sao Vicente on cruise ships during the months of March and April of 2012. The object of this study was to analyze the characteristics and level of satisfaction of those visiting the island of Sao Vicente, in order to help improve the tourism industry, and its infrastructure in hopes of bettering the overall experience for cruise tourists. The study emerged from a profound revision of cruise ship literature, now detailing destination images, available touristic elements, as well as quality and satisfaction ratings in relationship to tourism. In order to measure the satisfaction of the tourists we implemented a questionnaire where a sample of 131 people was surveyed at the end of their visit to the island. The questionnaire resulted in evidence detailing higher satisfaction regarding natural landscape, climate, local acceptance, ability to meet others and urban cleanliness. However, elements such as museums, sanitation, gastronomy, signage, restaurant services and travel information demonstrated higher levels of dissatisfaction. Cruise tourists are characterized as middle aged, frequent travelers with high academic and professional levels, and by their ability to consume heavily. This study verifies that various elements within the tourism sector are not well organized to satisfy the necessities and desires of cruise tourists. Therefore, an implementation of more activities is recommended for those visiting the island of Sao Vicente on cruise ships. While considering the need to minimize the negative aspects identified by the surveyed cruise tourists it is also important to integrate the offered tourist attractions within the various elements that embody tourism.

Report of Highway Research Board Research and Development Activities FY2007

The Highway Division of the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT) engages in research and development for two reasons: first, to find workable solutions to the many problems that require more than ordinary, routine investigation; second, to identify and implement improved engineering and management practices. This report, entitled “Iowa Highway Research Board Research and Development Activities FY2007” is submitted in compliance with Sections 310.36 and 312.3A, Code of Iowa, which direct the submission of a report of the Secondary Road Research Fund and the Street Research Fund respectively. It is a report of the status of research and development projects, which were in progress on June 30, 2007; it is also a report on projects completed during the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2006, and ending June 30, 2007. Detailed information on each of the research and development projects mentioned in this report is available in the Research and Technology Bureau in the Highway Division of the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Gangues, Novíssimas Guerras e (Sub)Cultura da Violência/Delinquência

This paper aims to reflect the problem of gangs and their relationship with urban space in the urban wars scenery that emerged in the 1980s and 1990s in densely populated cities, as well as discuss the adequacy of explanations on the phenomenon of violence and delinquency, in some contexts, from the concept of subculture. Starts with the conceptualization and characterization of gangs, presenting them as one of the central figures in the new type of violent conflict that erupts in the urban centers around the world and relate their institutionalization in neighbourhood with the idea of ‘Retreat of the State’ in poorest urban zones, as well as presenting the position of some families in relation to their activities.

Socio-cultural determinants of adiposity and physical activity in preschool children: a cross-sectional study.

Both individual socio-cultural determinants such as selected parental characteristics (migrant background, low educational level and workload) as well as the regional environment are related to childhood overweight and physical activity (PA). The purpose of the study was to compare the impact of distinct socio-cultural determinants such as the regional environment and selected parental characteristics on adiposity, PA and motor skills in preschool children. Forty preschools (N = 542 children) of two culturally different urban regions (German and French speaking part of Switzerland) participated in the study (Ballabeina Study). Outcome measures included adiposity (BMI and skinfold thickness), objectively measured sedentary activities and PA (accelerometers) and agility performance (obstacle course). Parental characteristics (migrant status, educational level and workload) were assessed by questionnaire. Children from the French speaking areas had higher adiposity, lower levels of total and of more intense PA, were more sedentary and less agile than children from the German speaking regions (percent differences for all outcome parameters except for BMI ≥10%; all p ≤ 0.04). Differences in skinfold thickness, sedentary activities and agility, but not in PA, were also found between children of Swiss and migrant parents, though they were ≤8% (p ≤ 0.02). While paternal workload had no effect, maternal workload and parental education resulted in differences in some PA measures and/or agility performance (percent differences in both: ≤9%, p ≤ 0.008), but not in adiposity or sedentary activities (p = NS). Regional differences in skinfold thickness, PA, sedentary activities and agility performance persisted after adjustment for parental socio-cultural characteristics, parental BMI and, where applicable, children's skinfolds (all p ≤ 0.01). The regional environment, especially the broader social environment, plays a prominent role in determining adiposity, PA and motor skills of young children and should be implicated in the prevention of obesity and promotion of PA in children. clinicaltrials.gov NCT00674544.

Review of Targeted Small Business (TSB) procurement activities for the period July 1, 2007 through September 30, 2007

Review of Targeted Small Business (TSB) procurement activities for the period July 1, 2007 through September 30, 2007

Projecto de sensibilização e educação ambiental na área da prevenção da produção dos resíduos urbanos : proposta de integração da temática nos currícula do ensino básico de Cabo Verde

This research project has as main objective the design of a project to raise awareness and environmental education in the area of prevention of the urban waste production by focusing on the presentation of a methodological proposal to incorporate this theme in the Course Curriculum of the Basic Education in Cape Verde. The study aimed beyond the project design, the preparation of a guide and a set of activities, instruments to be used by the educational community and more directly by the teachers of the Basic Education (EB) of Cape Verde for knowledge construction in study area and promove the development of skills of those teachers in terms of planning activities for waste prevention. The realized work included visits to various sources of information considered relevant, the application and validation of some activities in the population testing process using the technique of participant observation. This research involved the collaboration of the educational community of Praia namely the BE teachers, Pedagogical team teaching and Promoters of the new BE Curriculum. The study made a contribution in the view of the definition of the methodology of the work project and the assessment tool in order to reflect on the work process and its subsequent correction / improvement of future operations. We also present a proposal of monitoring and evaluation instrument of the project which will be applied during the implementation phase. Its use will enable the school community to improve their practices and will facilitate the involvement of the educational community taking into consideration an environmental sustainability

Projecto de sensibilização e educação ambiental na área da prevenção da produção dos resíduos urbanos : proposta de integração da temática nos currícula do ensino básico de Cabo Verde

O presente trabalho de projecto tem como principal objectivo a concepção de um projecto de sensibilização e educação ambiental na área da prevenção da produção dos resíduos urbanos com enfoque na apresentação de uma proposta metodológica de integração desta temática nos Currícula do Ensino Básico de Cabo Verde. Do estudo desenvolvido resultou, além da concepção do projecto, a elaboração de um guia, bem como um caderno de actividades, instrumentos a serem utilizados pela comunidade educativa e mais directamente pelos professores do Ensino Básico (EB) de Cabo Verde visando o reforço de conhecimentos na área de estudo identificada e o desenvolvimento de competências juntos dos referidos professores, para a planificação de actividades de prevenção da produção dos resíduos urbanos. O trabalho realizado compreendeu visitas a várias fontes de informação consideradas pertinentes assim como a aplicação e validação de algumas actividades numa população-teste com utilização da técnica de observação participante. Deste modo, o estudo contou com a colaboração da comunidade educativa da Cidade da Praia nomeadamente professores do EB, Equipa pedagógica e Promotores do novo Currículo do EB. O estudo permitiu dar um contributo na perspectiva da definição da metodologia do trabalho do projecto e instrumento de avaliação, visando uma reflexão sobre o trabalho desenvolvido e sua consequente correcção/melhoria de futuras acções. Apresentamos ainda uma proposta de instrumentos de acompanhamento e avaliação do projecto cuja aplicação se propõe no decorrer da implementação do mesmo. A sua utilização permitirá à comunidade escolar melhorar as suas práticas e facilitará o envolvimento da comunidade educativa tendo em vista a sustentabilidade ambiental.

Projecto de sensibilização e educação ambiental na área da prevenção da produção dos resíduos urbanos : proposta de integração da temática nos currícula do ensino básico de Cabo Verde

This research project has as main objective the design of a project to raise awareness and environmental education in the area of prevention of the urban waste production by focusing on the presentation of a methodological proposal to incorporate this theme in the Course Curriculum of the Basic Education in Cape Verde. The study aimed beyond the project design, the preparation of a guide and a set of activities, instruments to be used by the educational community and more directly by the teachers of the Basic Education (EB) of Cape Verde for knowledge construction in study area and promove the development of skills of those teachers in terms of planning activities for waste prevention. The realized work included visits to various sources of information considered relevant, the application and validation of some activities in the population testing process using the technique of participant observation. This research involved the collaboration of the educational community of Praia namely the BE teachers, Pedagogical team teaching and Promoters of the new BE Curriculum. The study made a contribution in the view of the definition of the methodology of the work project and the assessment tool in order to reflect on the work process and its subsequent correction / improvement of future operations. We also present a proposal of monitoring and evaluation instrument of the project which will be applied during the implementation phase. Its use will enable the school community to improve their practices and will facilitate the involvement of the educational community taking into consideration an environmental sustainability

Effect of irrigation water on the incidence of Salmonella spp. on lettuces produced by urban agriculture and sold on the markets in Dakar, Senegal

The aim of our survey was to assess the effect of irrigation water of the microbiological quality on the production chain of lettuce in the Dakar area. Microbiological analysis showed that 35% of irrigation water was contaminated by Salmonella spp. between the two water-types used for irrigation (groundwater and wastewater), no significant difference (p>0.05) in their degree of contamination was found. The incidence of different types of irrigation water on the contamination rate of lettuces from the farm (Pikine and Patte d'Oie) was not different either (p>0.05). However, the contamination rate of lettuce from markets of Dalifort and Grand-Yoff that were supplied by the area of Patte d'Oie was greater than those of Sham and Zinc supplied by Pikine (p<0.05). Comparison of serotypes of Salmonella isolated from irrigation water and lettuce showed that irrigation water may affect the microbiological quality of lettuce. Manures, frequently used as organic amendment in cultivating lettuce are another potential source of contamination. These results showed that lettuce may constitute effective vectors for the transmission of pathogens to consumers. Extensive treatment of the used wastewater and/or composting of manure could considerably reduce these risks.

Insects associated with the composting process of solid urban waste separated at the source

Sarcosaprophagous macroinvertebrates (earthworms, termites and a number of Diptera larvae) enhance changes in the physical and chemical properties of organic matter during degradation and stabilization processes in composting, causing a decrease in the molecular weights of compounds. This activity makes these organisms excellent recyclers of organic matter. This article evaluates the succession of insects associated with the decomposition of solid urban waste separated at the source. The study was carried out in the city of Medellin, Colombia. A total of 11,732 individuals were determined, belonging to the classes Insecta and Arachnida. Species of three orders of Insecta were identified, Diptera, Coleoptera and Hymenoptera. Diptera corresponding to 98.5% of the total, was the most abundant and diverse group, with 16 families (Calliphoridae, Drosophilidae, Psychodidae, Fanniidae, Muscidae, Milichiidae, Ulidiidae, Scatopsidae, Sepsidae, Sphaeroceridae, Heleomyzidae, Stratiomyidae, Syrphidae, Phoridae, Tephritidae and Curtonotidae) followed by Coleoptera with five families (Carabidae, Staphylinidae, Ptiliidae, Hydrophilidae and Phalacaridae). Three stages were observed during the composting process, allowing species associated with each stage to be identified. Other species were also present throughout the whole process. In terms of number of species, Diptera was the most important group observed, particularly Ornidia obesa, considered a highly invasive species, and Hermetia illuscens, both reported as beneficial for decomposition of organic matter.