The adoption of digital advisory systems is transforming smallholder agriculture in Zimbabwe, a country where agriculture remains the primary livelihood for most of the population. Despite significant investments in d...The adoption of digital advisory systems is transforming smallholder agriculture in Zimbabwe, a country where agriculture remains the primary livelihood for most of the population. Despite significant investments in digital technologies, agricultural productivity continues to underperform. This study explores the barriers preventing the scaling of digital advisory services among smallholder farmers and identifies strategies to optimize their adoption. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 854 smallholder farmers, 40 extension staff, and 8 development workers across six districts in Zimbabwe. The study reveals a high mobile penetration rate of 91%, higher than the 85% reported in the literature. However, challenges such as limited digital literacy, poor network connectivity, and financial constraints hinder the effective use of mobile advisory services. The findings also highlight a strong reliance on basic communication tools like SMS (42.83%) and WhatsApp (25.14%) for receiving agricultural information, while more advanced tools like mobile apps have lower adoption. Key recommendations include investing in nationwide digital literacy programs, incentivizing mobile network operators to improve rural connectivity, and developing human-centered, scalable digital solutions tailored to farmers’ needs. Furthermore, integrating AI-driven advisory systems with popular platforms like WhatsApp could significantly enhance the delivery of site-specific, actionable farming advice. This research provides insights into how digital advisory systems can be leveraged to improve agricultural productivity in Zimbabwe and other similar contexts.展开更多
Intelligent speed adaptation （ISA） is considered as an effective measure to reduce number of traffic accidents in the field of intelligent transportation systems （ITS）. On the other hand, its effects for traffic s...Intelligent speed adaptation （ISA） is considered as an effective measure to reduce number of traffic accidents in the field of intelligent transportation systems （ITS）. On the other hand, its effects for traffic safety are still doubted by many people. To make the possibility analysis, an experiment is conducted by using driving simulator. Regarding ISA ap- proaches, there are three modes： mandatory, voluntary and advisory. Among them, the advisory type seems to be the easiest one to introduce. Therefore, we focus on the advisory mode in this study by considering ISA just at the beginning stage in Japan. The experiment consists of four steps： without ISA, ISA using pictures, ISA using voices and again without ISA. The outputs obtained from the driving simulator are analyzed combined with the consciousness of the participants. The experiment shows that the ISA can improve recognition of speed limitation especially for people who have random rambling or looking aside tendency. Furthermore, the ISA especially when using voices can contribute in changing the consciousness of people who are aggressive in driving. Their driving speeds can reduce so that positive effects on traffic safety can be concluded.展开更多
Running a social enterprise(SE) is more difficult than running a small or medium-sized enterprise because SEs have to achieve both economic sustainability as business enterprises and their social mission for the benef...Running a social enterprise(SE) is more difficult than running a small or medium-sized enterprise because SEs have to achieve both economic sustainability as business enterprises and their social mission for the benefit of society.After a few years of operation, many SEs fail or struggle for survival. In this study, we examine some of the factors that affect an SE’s profitability, financial management, and business planning and management. Based on in-depth interviews with 22 social enterprises in Hong Kong, we find that SEs with the dual investment objectives of social mission and financial return are more sustainable and competitive than SEs with social impact as their sole objective. Furthermore, SEs managed by non-owner managers have better financial planning and performance than those managed by owner managers. In addition, SEs with an oversight/advisory committee are more competitive and have better management practices than those without such a committee. Our findings have policy implications for government, SEs, funding bodies, and non-profit organizations to enhance and promote the development of the social enterprise sector.展开更多
The use of biopsy plugs to sample fish muscle tissue for mercury analyses is a viable alternative to lethal sampling; however, the practice has yet to be widely implemented in routine monitoring due to concerns about ...The use of biopsy plugs to sample fish muscle tissue for mercury analyses is a viable alternative to lethal sampling; however, the practice has yet to be widely implemented in routine monitoring due to concerns about variability of mercury concentrations in fish muscle tissues. Here we examine distribution of mercury in fillets of four fish species(Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass and Lake Trout), suitability of left/right side of fillet for biopsy sampling, and appropriateness of re-using a biopsy punch. The results showed that average mercury concentrations in left and right fillets of fish are similar.Mercury concentrations in biopsy plug samples, taken from the anterior dorsal area of the fish fillet, were statistically equivalent to the mercury concentrations in homogenized fillets. There was no discernible cross contamination between samples when a biopsy punch was reused after washing in hot soapy water, and as such, biopsy punches can be recycled during sampling to reduce the sampling cost. If a tissue mass collected from a specific site on the fillet is insufficient, then we suggest sampling corresponding locations on the other fillet rather than sampling two adjacent sites on one fillet to obtain more tissue. The results presented here can improve the accuracy of fillet biopsy plug sampling,minimize fish mortality for mercury monitoring, and reduce labor and material costs in monitoring programs.展开更多
Due to sun glare disturbances, drivers encounter fatal threats on roadways, particularly at signalized intersections. Many studies have attempted to develop applicable solutions, such as avoiding sun positions, applyi...Due to sun glare disturbances, drivers encounter fatal threats on roadways, particularly at signalized intersections. Many studies have attempted to develop applicable solutions, such as avoiding sun positions, applying road geometric re-directions, and wearing anti- glare glasses. None of these strategies have fully solved the problem. As one of the ＂Con- nected Vehicle＂ practices proposed by the U.S. Department of Transportation, advanced warning messages （AWMs） are capable of providing wireless information about traffic controls. AWM acts as a supplement to conventional signs and signals, which can be blocked by obstacles or natural disturbances, such as sun glare. The drivers＇ smart advisory system （DSAS） can provide drivers with AWM. Using a driving simulator this research explores the effects of DSAS messages on driving behaviors under sun glare disturbance. Statistical analyses were applied to assess （1） the negative impacts of sun glare, （2） the compensation of the DSAS AWM to sun glare effects, and （3） the improvement in driving performance due to DSAS AWM. Four performance indexes were measured, including （1） half kinetic energy speed, （2） mean approach speed, （3） brake response time, and （4） braking distance. The effects of the socio-demographic factors, such as gender, age, educational background, and driving experience were also studied. The analytical results illustrate that the DSAS can compensate for reduced visibility due to sun glare and improve driving performance to a normal visual situation, particularly for left turn and through movement.展开更多
Lane-changing behavior is an important component of traffic simulation. A lane-changing action is normally confined to a decision-making process of the task, and the action itself is sometimes assumed as an instantane...Lane-changing behavior is an important component of traffic simulation. A lane-changing action is normally confined to a decision-making process of the task, and the action itself is sometimes assumed as an instantaneous event. Besides, the lane-changing behavior is based mostly on observable positions and speeds of other vehicles, rather than on vehicles＇ intentions. In practice, changing one lane requires about 5-6 s to complete. Existing lanechanging models do not comprehensively consider drivers＇ response to work zone lanechanging signs （or other related messages, if any）. Furthermore, drivers＇ socio-demographics are normally not taken into account. With regard to this, fuzzy logic-based lane-changing models that consider drivers＇ socio-demographics were developed to improve the realism of lane-changing maneuvers in work zones. Drivers＇ Smart Advisory System （DSAS） messages were provided as one of the scenarios. Drivers＇ responses, including reactions to work zone signs and DSAS messages, and actions to change lane, were investigated. Drivers＇ socio-demographic factors were primary independent variables, while Lane-Changing Response Time （LCRT） and Distance （LCRD） were defined as output variables. The model validation process yielded acceptable error ranges. To illustrate how these models can be used in traffic simulation, the LCRT and LCRD in work zones were estimated for five geo-locations with different socio-demographic specifications. Results show that the DSAS is able to instruct all drivers to prepare and change lanes earlier, thereby shortening the duration of changing lanes. Educational background and age are essential variables, whereas the impacts of gender on the output variables are indistinctive.展开更多
STOP signs are often physically blocked by obstacles at the corner, forming a safety threat. To enhance the safety at an un-signalized intersection like a STOP sign intersection, a radio frequency identification （RFI...STOP signs are often physically blocked by obstacles at the corner, forming a safety threat. To enhance the safety at an un-signalized intersection like a STOP sign intersection, a radio frequency identification （RFID） based drivers smart advisory system （DSAS） was developed, which provides drivers with an earlier warning message when they are approaching an un- signalized intersection, tn this research, a pilot field test was conducted with the DSAS alarm on an approach towards a STOP sign intersection in a residential area in Houston, Texas. The designed test route covers all turning movements, including left turn, through movement, and right turn. GPS units recorded test drivers＇ driving behaviors. A self-devel- oped MATLAB program and statistically significant difference t-test were applied to analyze the impacts of the DSAS messages on drivers＇ driving performance, in terms of approaching speed profile, acceleration/deceleration rates, braking distance, and possible extra vehicle emissions induced by the introduction of the DSAS message. Drivers＇ preference on the DSAS was investigated by a designed survey questionnaire among test drivers. Results showed that the DSAS alarm was able to induce drivers to drive significantly slower to approach a STOP sign intersection, perform smaller fluctuation in acceleration/deceleration rates, and be more aware of a coming STOP sign indicated by decelerating earlier. All test drivers preferred to follow the DSAS alarm on roads for a safety concern. Further, the DSAS alarm caused the reduction in emission rates through movement. For a general observation, more road tests with more participants and different test routes were recommended.展开更多
Work-zone crashes have always drawn public attention. A number of fatalities are recorded every year nationwide within work zone areas. Most existing countermeasures have been dedicated more to the advance warning are...Work-zone crashes have always drawn public attention. A number of fatalities are recorded every year nationwide within work zone areas. Most existing countermeasures have been dedicated more to the advance warning areas, transition areas, and activity areas of work zone, than the termination areas, where drivers might play less attention to safety threats. In this study, the vehicle-to-vehicle communication based left turn warning system was applied at a work zone termination area, which is immediately followed by a T-intersection. The work-zone is located on the minor road side, while left turn vehicles will be appearing from the major street through the said T-intersection. A smart phone application was designed using Android coding system to provide several types of warning messages to drivers. Corresponding scenarios were designed in a driving simulator, and 20 subjects were recruited to participate in the simulation test followed by a questionnaire survey. The subjects received a warning message when driving to the termination area of a work zone on the coming left turn vehicles. Twenty test drivers’ driving speed, acceleration rates, and break reaction distance to the warning messages were studied in four different scenarios. Results show that the smartphone application has a great impact on driving behaviors, especially the female voice and the beep tone warning, which are recommended for possible field tests. Besides, the developed smartphone applications can be further updated for practical applications of similar needs.展开更多
Exposure to perfluorinated alkyl acids（PFAAs） has been linked to many harmful health effects including reproductive disorders, developmental delays, and altered liver and kidney function. Most human exposure to envi...Exposure to perfluorinated alkyl acids（PFAAs） has been linked to many harmful health effects including reproductive disorders, developmental delays, and altered liver and kidney function. Most human exposure to environmental contaminants, including PFAAs,occurs through consumption of contaminated food or drinking water. This study uses PFAA data from meat samples collected from recreationally harvested American alligators（Alligator mississippiensis） in South Carolina to assess potential dietary exposure of hunters and their families to PFAAs. Consumption patterns were investigated using intercept surveys of 23 hunters at a wild game meat processor. An exposure scenario using the average consumption frequency, portion size, and median perfluorooctane sulfonic acid（PFOS） concentration in alligator meat from all hunt units found the daily dietary exposure to be 2.11 ng/kg body weight per day for an adult human. Dietary PFOS exposure scenarios based on location of harvest suggested the highest daily exposure occurs with alligator meat from the Middle Coastal hunt unit in South Carolina. Although no samples were found to exceed the recommended threshold for no consumption of PFOS found in Minnesota state guidelines, exposure to a mixture of PFAAs found in alligator meat and site-specific exposures based on harvest location should be considered in determining an appropriate guideline for vulnerable populations potentially exposed to PFAAs through consumption of wild alligator meat.展开更多
NOAA’s Oceanic Nino Index(ONI)is used to record for historical purposes the occurrence and duration of El Nino episodes,based on the monitoring of sea surface temperatures(SSTs)in the central Pacific Ocean.The ONI is...NOAA’s Oceanic Nino Index(ONI)is used to record for historical purposes the occurrence and duration of El Nino episodes,based on the monitoring of sea surface temperatures(SSTs)in the central Pacific Ocean.The ONI is used to identify the onset of an above average SST threshold that persists for several months,encompassing both the beginning and end of an El Nino episode.The first appearance of an anomalous seasonal value of 0.5℃suggests with a high probability that an El Nino could emerge,but for heightened warnings,one must wait for several months.In this article,we proposed that the ONI value of 0.7℃identifies a tipping point at which the El Nino event becomes locked in,which can provide additional lead time for mitigative actions to be taken by societal decision makers.Our preliminary findings suggest that a first appearance of 0.7℃value could serve as a credible marker of El Nino’s locked-in phase,which can provide additional credibility to the current 0.5℃El Nino onset indicator for at-risk societies to get ready for El Nino’s foreseeable societal and ecological impacts.展开更多
Community engagement is increasingly promoted to strengthen the ethics of medical research in low-income countries. One strategy is to use community advisory boards (CABs): semi-independent groups that can potentially...Community engagement is increasingly promoted to strengthen the ethics of medical research in low-income countries. One strategy is to use community advisory boards (CABs): semi-independent groups that can potentially safeguard the rights of study participants and help improve research. However, there is little published on the experience of operating and sustaining CABs. The Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU) has been conducting research and providing healthcare in a population of refugees, migrant workers, and displaced people on the Thai-Myanmar border for over 25 years. In 2009 SMRU facilitated the establishment of the Tak Province Community Ethics Advisory Board (T-CAB) in an effort to formally engage with the local communities both to obtain advice and to establish a participatory framework within which studies and the provision of health care can take place. In this paper, we draw on our experience of community engagement in this unique setting, and on our interactions with the past and present CAB members to critically reflect upon the CAB’s goals, structure and operations with a focus on the practicalities, what worked, what did not, and on its future directions.展开更多
This article uses gender analysis to reexamine the New Lifk Movement illustrating how strategies for women＇s leadership cultivation played an important role in Guomindang （GMD） state-building efforts during the 193...This article uses gender analysis to reexamine the New Lifk Movement illustrating how strategies for women＇s leadership cultivation played an important role in Guomindang （GMD） state-building efforts during the 1930s and 1940s. The GMD government promoted the New Life Movement to rectify the morals and conduct of civil servants and the general public for the purpose of building a modern nation-state at minimum cost. Although the New Life Movement is best known for employing urban middle-class centric approaches to reform, its Women＇s AdvisoW Council （WAC） carried the moderr）izing project to China＇s rural interior, where tbe GMD was previously bereft of access to local society. Although the WAC prioritized the mobilization of rural women for the war effort, its endeavors transcended the confinement of ＂women＇s work＂ and were instrumental in bridging the central government and local authorities, bringing the state into rural households.展开更多
文摘The adoption of digital advisory systems is transforming smallholder agriculture in Zimbabwe, a country where agriculture remains the primary livelihood for most of the population. Despite significant investments in digital technologies, agricultural productivity continues to underperform. This study explores the barriers preventing the scaling of digital advisory services among smallholder farmers and identifies strategies to optimize their adoption. Using a mixed-methods approach, data were collected from 854 smallholder farmers, 40 extension staff, and 8 development workers across six districts in Zimbabwe. The study reveals a high mobile penetration rate of 91%, higher than the 85% reported in the literature. However, challenges such as limited digital literacy, poor network connectivity, and financial constraints hinder the effective use of mobile advisory services. The findings also highlight a strong reliance on basic communication tools like SMS (42.83%) and WhatsApp (25.14%) for receiving agricultural information, while more advanced tools like mobile apps have lower adoption. Key recommendations include investing in nationwide digital literacy programs, incentivizing mobile network operators to improve rural connectivity, and developing human-centered, scalable digital solutions tailored to farmers’ needs. Furthermore, integrating AI-driven advisory systems with popular platforms like WhatsApp could significantly enhance the delivery of site-specific, actionable farming advice. This research provides insights into how digital advisory systems can be leveraged to improve agricultural productivity in Zimbabwe and other similar contexts.
文摘Intelligent speed adaptation （ISA） is considered as an effective measure to reduce number of traffic accidents in the field of intelligent transportation systems （ITS）. On the other hand, its effects for traffic safety are still doubted by many people. To make the possibility analysis, an experiment is conducted by using driving simulator. Regarding ISA ap- proaches, there are three modes： mandatory, voluntary and advisory. Among them, the advisory type seems to be the easiest one to introduce. Therefore, we focus on the advisory mode in this study by considering ISA just at the beginning stage in Japan. The experiment consists of four steps： without ISA, ISA using pictures, ISA using voices and again without ISA. The outputs obtained from the driving simulator are analyzed combined with the consciousness of the participants. The experiment shows that the ISA can improve recognition of speed limitation especially for people who have random rambling or looking aside tendency. Furthermore, the ISA especially when using voices can contribute in changing the consciousness of people who are aggressive in driving. Their driving speeds can reduce so that positive effects on traffic safety can be concluded.
基金fully supported by a grant from UGC Knowledge Transfer Earmarked Fund
文摘Running a social enterprise(SE) is more difficult than running a small or medium-sized enterprise because SEs have to achieve both economic sustainability as business enterprises and their social mission for the benefit of society.After a few years of operation, many SEs fail or struggle for survival. In this study, we examine some of the factors that affect an SE’s profitability, financial management, and business planning and management. Based on in-depth interviews with 22 social enterprises in Hong Kong, we find that SEs with the dual investment objectives of social mission and financial return are more sustainable and competitive than SEs with social impact as their sole objective. Furthermore, SEs managed by non-owner managers have better financial planning and performance than those managed by owner managers. In addition, SEs with an oversight/advisory committee are more competitive and have better management practices than those without such a committee. Our findings have policy implications for government, SEs, funding bodies, and non-profit organizations to enhance and promote the development of the social enterprise sector.
文摘The use of biopsy plugs to sample fish muscle tissue for mercury analyses is a viable alternative to lethal sampling; however, the practice has yet to be widely implemented in routine monitoring due to concerns about variability of mercury concentrations in fish muscle tissues. Here we examine distribution of mercury in fillets of four fish species(Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass and Lake Trout), suitability of left/right side of fillet for biopsy sampling, and appropriateness of re-using a biopsy punch. The results showed that average mercury concentrations in left and right fillets of fish are similar.Mercury concentrations in biopsy plug samples, taken from the anterior dorsal area of the fish fillet, were statistically equivalent to the mercury concentrations in homogenized fillets. There was no discernible cross contamination between samples when a biopsy punch was reused after washing in hot soapy water, and as such, biopsy punches can be recycled during sampling to reduce the sampling cost. If a tissue mass collected from a specific site on the fillet is insufficient, then we suggest sampling corresponding locations on the other fillet rather than sampling two adjacent sites on one fillet to obtain more tissue. The results presented here can improve the accuracy of fillet biopsy plug sampling,minimize fish mortality for mercury monitoring, and reduce labor and material costs in monitoring programs.
基金supported,in part,by the United States Tier 1 University Transportation Center TranLIVE #DTRT12GUTC17/KLK900-SB-003the National Science Foundation(NSF)under grants #1137732
文摘Due to sun glare disturbances, drivers encounter fatal threats on roadways, particularly at signalized intersections. Many studies have attempted to develop applicable solutions, such as avoiding sun positions, applying road geometric re-directions, and wearing anti- glare glasses. None of these strategies have fully solved the problem. As one of the ＂Con- nected Vehicle＂ practices proposed by the U.S. Department of Transportation, advanced warning messages （AWMs） are capable of providing wireless information about traffic controls. AWM acts as a supplement to conventional signs and signals, which can be blocked by obstacles or natural disturbances, such as sun glare. The drivers＇ smart advisory system （DSAS） can provide drivers with AWM. Using a driving simulator this research explores the effects of DSAS messages on driving behaviors under sun glare disturbance. Statistical analyses were applied to assess （1） the negative impacts of sun glare, （2） the compensation of the DSAS AWM to sun glare effects, and （3） the improvement in driving performance due to DSAS AWM. Four performance indexes were measured, including （1） half kinetic energy speed, （2） mean approach speed, （3） brake response time, and （4） braking distance. The effects of the socio-demographic factors, such as gender, age, educational background, and driving experience were also studied. The analytical results illustrate that the DSAS can compensate for reduced visibility due to sun glare and improve driving performance to a normal visual situation, particularly for left turn and through movement.
基金supported in part by the Tier 1 University Transportation Center TranLIVE# DTRT12GUTC17/KLK900-SB-003the National Science Foundation(NSF)under grants#1137732
文摘Lane-changing behavior is an important component of traffic simulation. A lane-changing action is normally confined to a decision-making process of the task, and the action itself is sometimes assumed as an instantaneous event. Besides, the lane-changing behavior is based mostly on observable positions and speeds of other vehicles, rather than on vehicles＇ intentions. In practice, changing one lane requires about 5-6 s to complete. Existing lanechanging models do not comprehensively consider drivers＇ response to work zone lanechanging signs （or other related messages, if any）. Furthermore, drivers＇ socio-demographics are normally not taken into account. With regard to this, fuzzy logic-based lane-changing models that consider drivers＇ socio-demographics were developed to improve the realism of lane-changing maneuvers in work zones. Drivers＇ Smart Advisory System （DSAS） messages were provided as one of the scenarios. Drivers＇ responses, including reactions to work zone signs and DSAS messages, and actions to change lane, were investigated. Drivers＇ socio-demographic factors were primary independent variables, while Lane-Changing Response Time （LCRT） and Distance （LCRD） were defined as output variables. The model validation process yielded acceptable error ranges. To illustrate how these models can be used in traffic simulation, the LCRT and LCRD in work zones were estimated for five geo-locations with different socio-demographic specifications. Results show that the DSAS is able to instruct all drivers to prepare and change lanes earlier, thereby shortening the duration of changing lanes. Educational background and age are essential variables, whereas the impacts of gender on the output variables are indistinctive.
基金supported in part by the United States Tier 1 University Transportation Center Tran LIVE #DTRT12GUTC17/KLK900-SB-003the National Science Foundation (NSF) under grants #1137732
文摘STOP signs are often physically blocked by obstacles at the corner, forming a safety threat. To enhance the safety at an un-signalized intersection like a STOP sign intersection, a radio frequency identification （RFID） based drivers smart advisory system （DSAS） was developed, which provides drivers with an earlier warning message when they are approaching an un- signalized intersection, tn this research, a pilot field test was conducted with the DSAS alarm on an approach towards a STOP sign intersection in a residential area in Houston, Texas. The designed test route covers all turning movements, including left turn, through movement, and right turn. GPS units recorded test drivers＇ driving behaviors. A self-devel- oped MATLAB program and statistically significant difference t-test were applied to analyze the impacts of the DSAS messages on drivers＇ driving performance, in terms of approaching speed profile, acceleration/deceleration rates, braking distance, and possible extra vehicle emissions induced by the introduction of the DSAS message. Drivers＇ preference on the DSAS was investigated by a designed survey questionnaire among test drivers. Results showed that the DSAS alarm was able to induce drivers to drive significantly slower to approach a STOP sign intersection, perform smaller fluctuation in acceleration/deceleration rates, and be more aware of a coming STOP sign indicated by decelerating earlier. All test drivers preferred to follow the DSAS alarm on roads for a safety concern. Further, the DSAS alarm caused the reduction in emission rates through movement. For a general observation, more road tests with more participants and different test routes were recommended.
文摘Work-zone crashes have always drawn public attention. A number of fatalities are recorded every year nationwide within work zone areas. Most existing countermeasures have been dedicated more to the advance warning areas, transition areas, and activity areas of work zone, than the termination areas, where drivers might play less attention to safety threats. In this study, the vehicle-to-vehicle communication based left turn warning system was applied at a work zone termination area, which is immediately followed by a T-intersection. The work-zone is located on the minor road side, while left turn vehicles will be appearing from the major street through the said T-intersection. A smart phone application was designed using Android coding system to provide several types of warning messages to drivers. Corresponding scenarios were designed in a driving simulator, and 20 subjects were recruited to participate in the simulation test followed by a questionnaire survey. The subjects received a warning message when driving to the termination area of a work zone on the coming left turn vehicles. Twenty test drivers’ driving speed, acceleration rates, and break reaction distance to the warning messages were studied in four different scenarios. Results show that the smartphone application has a great impact on driving behaviors, especially the female voice and the beep tone warning, which are recommended for possible field tests. Besides, the developed smartphone applications can be further updated for practical applications of similar needs.
基金the Graduate School at the College of Charleston
文摘Exposure to perfluorinated alkyl acids（PFAAs） has been linked to many harmful health effects including reproductive disorders, developmental delays, and altered liver and kidney function. Most human exposure to environmental contaminants, including PFAAs,occurs through consumption of contaminated food or drinking water. This study uses PFAA data from meat samples collected from recreationally harvested American alligators（Alligator mississippiensis） in South Carolina to assess potential dietary exposure of hunters and their families to PFAAs. Consumption patterns were investigated using intercept surveys of 23 hunters at a wild game meat processor. An exposure scenario using the average consumption frequency, portion size, and median perfluorooctane sulfonic acid（PFOS） concentration in alligator meat from all hunt units found the daily dietary exposure to be 2.11 ng/kg body weight per day for an adult human. Dietary PFOS exposure scenarios based on location of harvest suggested the highest daily exposure occurs with alligator meat from the Middle Coastal hunt unit in South Carolina. Although no samples were found to exceed the recommended threshold for no consumption of PFOS found in Minnesota state guidelines, exposure to a mixture of PFAAs found in alligator meat and site-specific exposures based on harvest location should be considered in determining an appropriate guideline for vulnerable populations potentially exposed to PFAAs through consumption of wild alligator meat.
基金made possible through the support provided by the Office of U.S.Foreign Disaster AssistanceBureau for Democracy,Conflict and Humanitarian AssistanceU.S.Agency for International Development。
文摘NOAA’s Oceanic Nino Index(ONI)is used to record for historical purposes the occurrence and duration of El Nino episodes,based on the monitoring of sea surface temperatures(SSTs)in the central Pacific Ocean.The ONI is used to identify the onset of an above average SST threshold that persists for several months,encompassing both the beginning and end of an El Nino episode.The first appearance of an anomalous seasonal value of 0.5℃suggests with a high probability that an El Nino could emerge,but for heightened warnings,one must wait for several months.In this article,we proposed that the ONI value of 0.7℃identifies a tipping point at which the El Nino event becomes locked in,which can provide additional lead time for mitigative actions to be taken by societal decision makers.Our preliminary findings suggest that a first appearance of 0.7℃value could serve as a credible marker of El Nino’s locked-in phase,which can provide additional credibility to the current 0.5℃El Nino onset indicator for at-risk societies to get ready for El Nino’s foreseeable societal and ecological impacts.
文摘Community engagement is increasingly promoted to strengthen the ethics of medical research in low-income countries. One strategy is to use community advisory boards (CABs): semi-independent groups that can potentially safeguard the rights of study participants and help improve research. However, there is little published on the experience of operating and sustaining CABs. The Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU) has been conducting research and providing healthcare in a population of refugees, migrant workers, and displaced people on the Thai-Myanmar border for over 25 years. In 2009 SMRU facilitated the establishment of the Tak Province Community Ethics Advisory Board (T-CAB) in an effort to formally engage with the local communities both to obtain advice and to establish a participatory framework within which studies and the provision of health care can take place. In this paper, we draw on our experience of community engagement in this unique setting, and on our interactions with the past and present CAB members to critically reflect upon the CAB’s goals, structure and operations with a focus on the practicalities, what worked, what did not, and on its future directions.
文摘This article uses gender analysis to reexamine the New Lifk Movement illustrating how strategies for women＇s leadership cultivation played an important role in Guomindang （GMD） state-building efforts during the 1930s and 1940s. The GMD government promoted the New Life Movement to rectify the morals and conduct of civil servants and the general public for the purpose of building a modern nation-state at minimum cost. Although the New Life Movement is best known for employing urban middle-class centric approaches to reform, its Women＇s AdvisoW Council （WAC） carried the moderr）izing project to China＇s rural interior, where tbe GMD was previously bereft of access to local society. Although the WAC prioritized the mobilization of rural women for the war effort, its endeavors transcended the confinement of ＂women＇s work＂ and were instrumental in bridging the central government and local authorities, bringing the state into rural households.
